Redding man suspected of shooting at apartments

Fabian Ortiz

A man suspected of shooting at an apartment complex in Redding was arrested Saturday night when police said they found him carrying an assault-style rifle in a guitar case.

Residents reported hearing gunshots in the area of the 3600 block of Churn Creek Road at about 8:45 p.m. One witness said he saw a man place an assault-style rifle in a case and leave the area around the time of the shooting, police said.

When officers arrived at the apartment complex where the shooting was reported, they found unfired rifle ammunition on the ground in the parking lot, police said.

While checking the area officer Nolan Guiducci saw a man carrying a nylon guitar case. The man, Fabian Ortiz, 28, of Redding, was arrested by officers who found a rifle in the case, police said.

Witnesses told officers that Ortiz had been at the apartment complex when he got into an argument with a woman. As Ortiz was leaving he fired a shot at the apartment building, police said.

The bullet did not hit the building, and no one was injured, police said. Ortiz was on probation for prior felony convictions, police said.

He was booked into the Shasta County Jail on suspicion of negligently shooting a gun, being a felon with a gun and ammunition and violating terms of his probation.

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Damon Arthur is the Record Searchlight’s resources and environment reporter. He is among the first on the scene at breaking news incidents, reporting real time on Twitter at @damonarthur_RS. Damon is part of a dedicated team of journalists who investigate wrongdoing and find the unheard voices to tell the stories of the North State. He welcomes story tips at 530-225-8226 and damon.arthur@redding.com. Help local journalism thrive by subscribing today!