COSTA MESA : Drive-By Shooting Suspect Is Arrested
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An alleged gang member from Orange has been arrested in connection with a drive-by shooting that occurred on the San Diego Freeway last November, police said Friday.
Jacob Morante, 21, is accused of pulling alongside an unidentified 24-year-old Huntington Beach man on the southbound lanes of the freeway near Harbor Boulevard, exchanging glances with the motorist, then firing a shot, said police spokesman George Wilson.
The victim, who was not injured, heard the shot, looked over and saw the driver of the other car holding a small handgun, Wilson said.
“He pulled over to inspect his car and found one bullet hole in the passenger door a couple of inches below the window,” Wilson said.
The victim was able to get a description of the suspect’s car and a license plate number, which eventually led Costa Mesa police to Morante, who was arrested at his home late Wednesday night.
Detectives searched Morante’s home and found a loaded sawed-off shotgun and a small-caliber semiautomatic handgun, Wilson said.
Morante is being held at Costa Mesa city jail on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon, unlawful discharge of a weapon and possession of a dangerous weapon. His bail has been set at $25,000.
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