Police shot and killed a man on Newport Pier early Saturday morning, Feb. 1, after he allegedly murdered a woman hours earlier in Menifee, authorities said.
The incident began at approximately 2:43 a.m. when Menifee police responded to reports of gunshots in the 25000 block of Mesa Edge Court. Upon arrival, officers found the body of 38-year-old Storm Wolf of Temecula. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators identified Jose Velasquez, 45, of Menifee as the primary suspect in Wolf’s death. Velasquez, an acquaintance of Wolf, fled before officers arrived, police said.
Following investigative leads, authorities determined Velasquez may have traveled to Santa Ana. Officers from the Santa Ana Police Department located him in his vehicle, leading to a pursuit that ended around 6:50 a.m. in Newport Beach.
Velasquez drove onto Newport Pier, where police opened fire, killing him. It was not immediately clear if Velasquez shot at officers or who fired first. No officers or bystanders were injured.
Video obtained by KTLA from an Instagram user showed a gray SUV speeding down the crowded pier, followed by police vehicles. More than a dozen gunshots were heard.
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities have not disclosed a possible motive. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective W. Flores at the Menifee Police Department at (951) 723-1663 or via email at Wflores@menifeepolice.org.
