An 18-year-old man was arrested Tuesday evening in connection with Monday night’s deadly shooting of a 23-year-old man in Pomona Park, the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office said.
Fernando Vargas (pictured left) was booked early Wednesday morning into the Putnam County jail on a homicide charge, according to online jail records.
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According to the Sheriff’s Office, witnesses said Vargas and a 16-year-old were playing basketball at Willard F. Hazen Memorial Park in Pomona Park when they saw Christian Sanchez (pictured right) arguing with his girlfriend.
Vargas intervened in the argument at some point and began a “verbal altercation” with Sanchez.
Shortly after, Vargas walked away with the female to escort her to retrieve her vehicle from Sanchez’s home, according to police. Witnesses said Vargas was carrying a shotgun at the time.
As the two were walking along the street Sanchez followed them in his vehicle, according to investigators. Another argument ensued between Vargas and Sanchez.
Vargas then shot Sanchez while he was sitting in the vehicle, investigators said.
The Sheriff’s Office said witnesses told them Vargas fled the scene.
Witnesses tried to administer CPR until first responders arrived, but Sanchez died at the scene.
Deputies said Vargas was taken into custody Tuesday night at his home in Pomona Park. He remained is now in the Putnam County Jail where he is being held without bond.
Detectives said they are still attempting to locate the shotgun.