A man sought for questioning in the disappearance of a North San Diego County resident killed himself in a Temecula parking lot, while the fate of the missing man remained uncertain, authorities said Thursday.
Frank Torres, 61, of Pauma Valley was reported missing Tuesday after family members and friends were unable to find him at home or elsewhere, according to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department.
Sgt. Alberto Loureiro said that a person of interest in connection with the disappearance was 66-year-old Derek R. Arnett of Temecula.
There were indications the two men may have had family ties.
“During the investigation … Torres’ vehicle (was found) abandoned near a park in Temecula,” Lourerio said. “Based on suspicious circumstances, investigators from the Central Homicide Unit were notified and assumed the investigation.”
For reasons not disclosed, detectives turned their attention to Arnett and initiated a search to detain him for questioning, according to the sergeant.
On Wednesday morning, his vehicle was spotted traveling through the intersection of Wolf Valley Road and Wolf Valley Creek Drive, and he was tailed into a parking lot off of Pechanga Parkway in Temecula, where he parked, Loureiro said.
“Believing Arnett may have a weapon, the sheriff’s Emergency Services Team responded to assist,” the sheriff’s spokesman said. “When deputies contacted Arnett, they noticed he had injuries consistent with a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Deputies attempted lifesaving measures until paramedics arrived. Arnett was ultimately pronounced deceased at the scene.”
There was no word on whether he left behind a suicide note, or anything else that might aid in the investigation into Torres’ disappearance.
The investigation was ongoing Thursday. Anyone with information was asked to contact the Central Homicide Unit at 951-955-2777.