Two Marines arrested for shooting at stop signs

Two active duty Marines were arrested on several felony charges late Wednesday night after they drove around town shooting at stop signs from their vehicle, according to the sheriff’s Ramona station.

Residents began reporting sounds of gunshots around 11 p.m., said Sgt. John Boyce.

“We got multiple calls,” he said.

The two Marines, a 20-year-old who was driving and a 21-year-old passenger, had been drinking, said Boyce. They used a 12 gauge shotgun to shoot at stop signs in areas around Haverford Road, Elm Street, Montecito Road and Olive Street, according to reports.

Deputies were able to take the suspects into custody when they drove their vehicle into a lot at 1037 Olive St., and both were cooperative, said the sergeant. The shotgun was found unloaded on the passenger’s side of the vehicle, but boxes of ammunition were located inside, he said. The 21-year-old resides in Ramona and the 20-year-old lives on the base of Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, but both are originally from out of state, he said.

They were booked into San Diego Central Jail, which lists each one as being charged with four felonies: shoot firearm from a vehicle, discharge firearm from vehicle, illegal firearm discharge with negligence, and vandalism over $400. Boyce said damages to the stop signs were estimated at $750.

Their arraignment date is set for Oct. 26.

Because the 20-year-old was driving, he was also charged as a minor operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol count of .05, said Boyce.