Chaos erupted in the quiet streets of Chula Vista Saturday night when gunshots rang out, leaving a 36-year-old San Diego man dead. The Chula Vista Police Department scrambled to the 200 Block of Center Street following reports of the shooting, according to an X post by the department. Witnesses led officers to a parked vehicle where, in efforts to clasp onto the elusive strands of life, the man with multiple gunshot wounds was discovered and quickly attended to by the officers.
Press release: Homicide — 200 Block of Center Street — Occured April 6, 2024 pic.twitter.com/7YGTkZHtnf
— Chula Vista Police Department (@ChulaVistaPD) April 8, 2024
Despite the paramedics' prompt arrival and transport to the hospital, death, the inevitable end, claimed its due. The victim, who was found near Third Avenue, was pronounced deceased, as officers searched for the suspects based on witness accounts. Described as fleeing in an older, white pickup truck with distinct markings, the suspects remained at large momentarily, until the vehicle was spotted driving westbound on H Street post-midnight by a patrol officer.
The stop led to two individuals being detained, with one apprehended for carrying a firearm. Christian Benavides, 32, of San Diego, was indicated by the Chula Vista Police Department as one such occupant. He was later booked into San Diego County Jail on murder charges, carrying the heavy weight of this irreversible act.
As the investigation presses forward, detectives are sifting through evidence and continuing dialogues with witnesses to piece together the events that culminated in this tragedy. The public's assistance is crucial, and information that could shine a light on this dire act can be directed to San Diego County Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477 or submitted anonymously online or through the P3tips mobile application.
