BARSTOW — After releasing the identity of the suspect who they believe shot a 16-year-old boy last week, authorities say they have received tips causing them to believe Robert Jayden Garcia has fled the area.
Barstow police Capt. Andy Espinoza Jr. said Wednesday the department received a “few tips” regarding the whereabouts of Garcia, who has been wanted since the July 7 shooting.
“We now believe he has left town,” Espinoza said.
Espinoza said the department is not aware of any specific ties Garcia, who is from Barstow, may have to other cities.
“But we are checking the other areas (in the High Desert) where we received tips,” Espinoza said.
Police describe Garcia as 5-foot-5, 130 pounds with brown eyes and said he also goes by the alias of “Lil Rob.”
Officers responded to the shooting in the 900 block of Bighorn Drive and found the teen suffering from gunshot wounds. Police learned the boy was walking down the street when the gunman approached him and “tried to engage him in a conversation.” The gunman then shot the teen twice, striking him in the arm and in the stomach area.
The teen was able to walk down Bighorn Drive and knock on someone’s door to ask for help, where he was found by responding officers. He was airlifted to Loma Linda University Medical Center. Espinoza said he was told over the weekend that the boy was in stable condition and improving.
The suspect had fled and authorities were not immediately able to determine who he was. But through investigation and follow-up interviews detectives identified Garcia as the gunman.
The handgun used in the shooting has yet to be recovered and police say Garcia is considered armed and dangerous.
Espinoza said on Wednesday that investigators have not ruled out the possibility of the shooting possibly being gang related.
The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information about Garcia’s whereabouts is urged to call the Barstow Police Department at 760-256-2211.