'I was at the pet store and now I'm here': Man detained by officers at scene of shooting in City Heights

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) -- A homeless man was shot and killed late Tuesday night in City Heights, and police are investigating whether a man detained near the scene is connected to the crime.

The shooting happened around 11:55 p.m. in the 4200 block of University Avenue, San Diego police said. Officers arrived shortly after gunfire was reported, but the victim was pronounced dead at the scene.

A witness, Patrice Harris, said she saw a man arguing with the victim, whom she identified only as her friend Mark.

“He started complaining about the noise. He said, ‘I’m so tired of you and all this noise,’” Harris said.  She said moments later, the man opened fire.

“When I heard the shot, Mark said ‘ugh,’” Harris said. “I go, 'Dang, Mark got hit.' I ducked into the apartments to try to hide behind a car.”

Surveillance video from a nearby business captured a man walking into an alley seconds before what sounded like a gunshot, followed by two more. A person is then seen walking quickly away.

Police later detained a man near the crime scene. When asked by a reporter about the shooting, he denied involvement, saying, “Don’t know. I was at the pet store and now I’m here.”

Authorities have not confirmed whether he is a suspect.

Friends of the victim described him as “humble” and “smart.” His identity has not yet been released.

Business owners in the area said the violence has heightened tensions around homelessness and safety. Nelida Salgado, who works nearby as a notary, said she wants to see more police patrols in the neighborhood.

Harris, who is also unhoused, agreed more patrols would help but added that she hopes for more compassion toward those living on the streets.

“I don’t like being stereotyped,” Harris said. “Everyone is not out here on drugs or here because they’re bums.”

SDPD Homicide detectives are investigating the case.