A man was arrested in Vista on Sunday after allegedly firing multiple shots into the air from a moving vehicle. The San Diego County Sheriff's Office, through a social media update, reported that deputies from the Vista Sheriff's Station responded to a text-to-911 active shooter report at about 10 PM Deputies were dispatched to the 800 block of Arcadia Avenue where, witnesses said, a silver Lexus sedan drove through the intersection of Anza Avenue and Arcadia Avenue as someone inside fired a handgun into the air.
The scene was thoroughly processed, and deputies found 14 nine-millimeter shell casings near the intersection. In a subsequent development, a Sheriff's ASTREA helicopter spotted the Lexus at a nearby apartment complex in the 900 block of Arcadia Avenue. From the helicopter, they observed the individual, later identified as Sergio Abrego (DOB 04/17/1983), exit the vehicle and appear to handle a handgun.
According to the San Diego County Sheriff's Office post, Abrego was seen dropping the handgun and then picking it up, presumably concealing it in his pocket. Ground units were guided to his location by ASTREA, where Abrego initially refused to comply with deputies' orders to stop, but they were later able to detain him safely.
Further investigation by deputies uncovered not only the handgun magazine filled with 9mm rounds but also a concealed machete hidden within Abrego’s pants. An unserialized handgun, with an extended magazine, was recovered near the arrest location. Inside Abrego's Lexus, two additional shell casings were found on the driver's side floorboard. For these actions, Abrego was taken into custody and now faces multiple charges, including negligent discharge of a firearm and weapons violations. No injuries were reported from the gunfire incident.
The San Diego County Sheriff's Office has taken this opportunity to remind the community to remain vigilant and proactive by reporting any suspicious activity. They advise contacting the Sheriff's Office at (858) 868-3200 for non-emergencies and dialing 9-1-1 for emergencies.
