Clearlake police investigate homicide

A Clearlake man is dead and detectives are searching for his killer after a dispute, possibly over personal property, turned violent, police said Friday.

Officers were called to the 15000 block of 35th Street about 3:40 p.m. Thursday on reports of shots fired, Sgt. Nick Bennett said.

They arrived to find a young, adult male suffering unknown injuries, Bennett said.

The man was treated at the scene and taken to St. Helena Hospital, where he later died, he said.

It was unclear if he had been shot or stabbed. Police are awaiting results from an autopsy to determine the cause of death.

“We couldn’t tell at the scene,” the sergeant said.

His name and age were withheld pending positive identification and notification of family.

Meanwhile, detectives worked through the night to find a male suspect, believed to be an acquaintance of the victim. Bennett said the two may have argued over their possessions.

Witnesses described a white pickup leaving the scene.

“We’re chasing that lead,” he said.

Officers searched a house late Wednesday looking for a weapon, Bennett said.

So far, no arrests have been made, he said.

Anyone with information about the case is asked to call Detective Ryan Peterson at 707-994-8251, extension 320.

You can reach Staff Writer Paul Payne at 568-5312 or paul.payne@pressdemocrat.com. On Twitter @ppayne.