A probationer accused of wounding a man in a drive-by shooting in Wildomar must stand trial on attempted murder and other felony charges, a judge ruled Monday.
Mario Francisco Vega, 31, was arrested last May, soon after the alleged attack in the 32000 block of Mesa Drive, near Sylvester Road.
Along with the attempted murder count, Vega is charged with shooting from a vehicle, assault with a firearm and being a convicted felon in possession of a gun.
Following a preliminary hearing at the Southwest Justice Center in Murrieta, Riverside County Superior Court Judge John Monterosso found there was sufficient evidence to warrant a trial on all counts.
The judge scheduled a post-preliminary hearing arraignment for April 24 and kept Vega’s bail at $1 million. He’s being held at the Byrd Detention Center in Murrieta.
According to sheriff’s Sgt. Steve Brosche, the victim, whose identity was not released, was struck by gunfire as he was walking along Mesa about 7:30 p.m. on May 3.
A possible motive for the attack was not disclosed.
The man was able to provide 911 dispatchers with a description of the assailant’s vehicle, and deputies converged on the area moments later.
Brosche said a deputy patrolling the intersection of Ethanac Road and state Route 74 spotted the car — with Vega behind the wheel — and stopped it without incident. After the victim positively identified him as his alleged attacker, the defendant was booked into jail.
The wounded man was hospitalized and has fully recovered from his injury.
According to court records, Vega has a prior conviction for reckless driving while under the influence of drugs.