A former San Diego TV journalist who once reported for Spanish-language outlets is accused of carrying out two separate shootings along a scenic overlook on Palomar Mountain, allegedly opening fire on victims after asking about their ethnicity.
Ricardo Berron, a 46-year-old former reporter for Univision and Telemundo stations, was arrested March 10 at San Diego International Airport, the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office said in a news release. He has been charged with two counts of assault with a deadly weapon in connection with the attacks. Prosecutors are also seeking hate crimes enhancements, Fox5 reports.
Authorities allege the shootings occurred at the same location but months apart and involving different victims. The first took place on October 6, 2025, around 9:30 p.m., when the alleged victim, Joseph Valentino, said he was shot in the arm while sitting in his car at a scenic overlook on Palomar Mountain.
“I looked over my left shoulder and saw the silhouette of somebody holding a rifle at my head and wearing a hoodie,” Valentino told KUSI shortly after the incident.
“I raised my hands and asked him not to shoot. He asked me if I was Mexican. I responded yes. At that point, I saw him zero in on my head, and instinctively turned to the right. I heard the shot. It missed my face and caught my arm,” he said.
Valentino said he sped away after the encounter, and that a second shot hit his rear tired. He managed to reach a nearby home and call for help. Deputies and paramedics arrived about an hour later, and he was taken to Palomar Medical Center, where doctors were able to save his arm despite severe injuries from the gunshot.
Then, on February 23, a second man reported being approached on the mountain while stargazing.
"During the interaction, the suspect produced a handgun and fired a single round through the driver's side window while the victim was seated inside his vehicle. The suspect then fled the scene in a vehicle. The victim was not hurt,” the sheriff's office said.
The second alleged victim also said the suspect asked him about his ethnicity before firing.
Authorities later searched Berron’s Chula Vista home and found a 9mm handgun believed to be linked to at least one of the shootings.
The father of five has since been released on bail and was scheduled to appear in court on March 17, Fox 5 reported Monday.
Berron declined to answer questions when approached outside his home, driving away without comment, the outlet reported. His wife pushed back on the accusations, saying authorities have the wrong person.
The Independent has contacted the SDSO for comment.
