Costa Mesa police investigate shooting that caused brief lockdown near Vanguard University

Costa Mesa police detectives are investigating a shooting that took place Tuesday night near the intersection of Newport Boulevard and Wilson Street, causing nearby Vanguard University to initiate a temporary lockdown and resulting in one arrest.

Costa Mesa Police Department spokeswoman Roxi Fyad said officers responded to a report of gun shots heard in the area at around 9:30 p.m. Upon their arrival, she said officers discovered a group of people quickly leaving the scene.

One individual who fled was apprehended and found with a handgun. Described as 20-year-old male, whose last known address is in Oklahoma, the man was arrested for possession of a firearm, police reported.

Fyad said officers did not locate any victims but did notice several shell casings in the immediate vicinity.

The incident took place just blocks away from Vanguard University, near the off-campus Vanguard Centre housing complex, campus security director Kent Ferrin confirmed Thursday.

“We heard shots fired, and there were witnesses to the shots fired,” Ferrin said. “We initiated a lockdown for that area and [told] all students to remain in place until Costa Mesa PD said it was safe.”

A few minutes later, students were informed it was safe to resume activities. An alert issued by the campus circulated on social media, informing the school community of what had happened and encouraging witnesses to come forward.

“Vehicles were involved in the shooting that fled the scene,” the message said. “If you witnessed any part of the shooting please contact campus safety, who will facilitate contact with CMPD.”

Ferrin said his team was working with the police department to provide it with details that may aid detectives in their investigation.

Anyone who may have information relating to the incident is encouraged to contact Det. Brian Hernandez at (714) 754-5120 or Sgt. Scott Stafford at (714) 754-4933.

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