Irvine police arrest suspect in deadly shooting of UPS driver
After a standoff, officers arrested a man Thursday suspected of shooting and killing a UPS driver in a delivery truck in an industrial complex in Irvine.
The Irvine Police Department said it happened around 3 p.m. at Crysler and Bendix in Irvine. Officers told KCAL News a UPS driver was shot inside his truck, possibly while taking a break from work. The driver was later identified by police and the coroner as 50-year-old Expedito Cuesta De Leon of Aliso Viejo. The suspect was identified as Rhean Fontanoza of Aliso Viejo.
Police said Friday the two were acquaintances. Authorities also said the incident was not a robbery and the victim might have been targeted.
"It sounds like, based on witness testimony, this is his normal route," said Sgt. Karie Davies of the Irvine Police Department. "That area where he was shot is normally where he takes his breaks. We don't know if the suspect was waiting for him to come back after a delivery."
Around 6 p.m., a suspect was discovered by officers in a pick-up truck. A standoff with Irvine officers and Orange County Sheriff's Department deputies happened near Lake Irvine off of Santiago Canyon Road. He was arrested by a SWAT team.
Police tweeted that anyone who saw something suspicious should contact department at (949) 724-7200.
#IRVINEPDPIO - We are investigating an incident where a man was shot near Chrysler and Bendix. If you saw anything suspicious in the area around 3:00 p.m., please call (949) 724-7200. IPD PIO is on the way to the scene.#irvine #irvinepolice #cityofirivne
— Irvine Police Department (@IrvinePolice) May 16, 2024