Suspect in Clearlake toddler killing arrested in Sonoma County
The killing happened during a party on March 23. Investigators arrested the suspect Wednesday in Petaluma.
A suspect in the killing of a 2-year-old Clearlake boy was arrested Wednesday in Sonoma County, authorities said.
Fernando Lugo-Garcia, 31, is accused of shooting the boy during a party in the 14000 block of Uhl Avenue on March 23, according to the Clearlake Police Department.
On Thursday, Clearlake police Lt. Ryan Peterson said the shooting occurred at a local church.
He said no one else was injured and he couldn’t elaborate on other circumstances, including whether the child was targeted or accidentally shot.
He referred to the Lake County Coroner for the child’s identity.
Authorities said the suspect fled after the killing and investigators concluded he lives in the Santa Rosa area.
Local investigators are familiar with Lugo-Garcia from previous gang-related matters, according to the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office.
He was arrested about 9:30 a.m. Wednesday at an unspecified location in Petaluma on suspicion of murder, assault with a deadly weapon and other gun-related offenses.
Officials booked him into the Lake County Jail.
Clearlake police ask anyone with information on the case to call investigators at 707-994-8251.
You can reach Staff Writer Colin Atagi at colin.atagi@pressdemocrat.com. On Twitter @colin_atagi
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