OCEANSIDE, Calif. (KGTV) - A man walking his dogs at an Oceanside park Tuesday night was shot to death, according to police.
The shooting was reported just before 10 p.m.at Melba Bishop Park in the 5300 block of North River Road, Oceanside police said.
Police told 10News the 49-year-old victim and his roommate were walking dogs at the park when an altercation with two or three other men ensued. According to police, the victim was shot in the middle of a baseball field and died at the scene.
The roommate was not injured in the incident, and 10News learned he has possession of the dogs.
Bill Russell told 10News he was a friend of the victim, who he identified as Martin Swan, a Navy veteran who was employed at Camp Pendleton as an IT specialist. Oceanside police later confirmed Swan's identity.
The suspect, identified by police as a 16-year-old Hispanic male, was arrested later Wednesday. Police said due to his age and ongoing investigation, they are not disclosing their name. They are currently under medical observation for non-life threatening injuries sustained during the shooting.
The suspect is expected to be released within 48 hours. They are believed to be the sole shooter in the incident, police said.
Russell told 10News Swan was like a "protector" and always walked his dogs at the park since it's near his home. Russell said he's never experienced any problems at the park before.
Investigators collected evidence at the scene, including a skateboard.
Police are asking the public to come forward with any information on the shooting.
Correction: An earlier version of this story identified Bill Russell as the victim's roommate. He is not.
