By Gina Yarbrough
LA JOLLA—A University Towne Center man is in police custody after he shot two male victims in their homes early Wednesday morning, a San Diego police spokesman says.
According to police, the first victim, Steven Dowdy, was in his bedroom with his wife in the 5700 block of Waverly Avenue in La Jolla. The suspect, Hans Petersen, was standing outside of the house and fired a gun multiple times into Dowdy’s bedroom. Dowdy was struck in the lower side of his back by one round and Petersen fled the scene. Dowdy was transported to a local hospital and no other occupants were injured.
During the same morning, Petersen broke into the home of Ronald Fletcher in the 1400 block of Cottontail Lane. Petersen shot Fletcher once in the stomach. Fletcher was able to disarm Petersen and during an ensuing physical fight, struck Petersen with the gun. Officers arrived and found Fletcher and Petersen inside the house. Petersen was identified as the suspect and arrested. Both were transported to a local hospital. Police later recovered the handgun in Fletcher’s home.
The investigation revealed Petersen was a former business associate of Dowdy’s. Their relationship began to sour when Petersen lost his job and blamed Dowdy. Petersen is married to and estranged from Fletcher’s sister. It is believed Fletcher was shot by Petersen because of the role Fletcher played in his sister’s separation from Petersen.
After being released from the hospital, Petersen was booked into a San Diego county jail. The investigation is continuing.
Anyone with information concerning the incident can call the San Diego Police Department’s, Northern Division at (858) 552-1700, or San Diego County Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477.
