SAN DIEGO–Detectives from the San Diego Police Department’s Mid-City Division have arrested Kenneth Ozua, 37, for the attempt robbery and shooting that occurred in North Park last week.
Last Thursday, at about 1:30 p.m., Ozua and his wife drove up to the 62 year-old female victim in the east alley of 4000 Ohio Street as she placed her elderly mother into her vehicle. Ozua briefly engaged the victim in conversation. As the victim turned away from Ozua, he exited his vehicle and approached her with a handgun. He quietly demanded her purse. When the victim turned back toward Ozua, he pointed the gun at her and more forcefully demanded her purse. The victim turned and ran away from Ozua who fired one shot at her. The victim was struck in the right shoulder and fell to the ground. Ozua returned to his vehicle, a white Chevrolet Trail Blazer, and drove northbound out of the alley.
Mid-City detectives working on the case received an anonymous tip naming Ozua as the suspect responsible for the shooting. The tipster further stated that Ozua immediately fled to Mexico after the shooting.
Yesterday, at about 7:30 p.m., detectives were notified that Ozua had been detained as he attempted to enter the United States at the Otay Mesa Port of Entry. Detectives took custody of Ozua and booked him into county jail on multiple charges, including attempt murder, attempt robbery and assault with a deadly weapon. He is expected to be arraigned on Thursday.
Ozua’s wife, Mariela, 38, was present during the attempt robbery and shooting. She remains at large at this time.
Anyone with information about the whereabouts of Mariela Ozua is encouraged to contact Sergeant Don Williams of the San Diego Police Department Mid-City Division at (619) 516-3006 or San Diego County Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477.
