USMC Gunnery Sgt. killed in random crime spree in rural San Bernardino County town

The San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office filed charges against an 18-year-old man in connection with an alleged random crime spree that left a U.S. Marine dead.

Suspect Rudy Garcia Jr., 18, is accused of seven serious crimes, including:

• murder
• Attempted car theft
• Attempted robbery in the second degree
• Two cases of intentional, deliberate and premeditated attempted murder
• Two counts of assault with a semi-automatic firearm – private use of a firearm

The alleged crime spree occurred on May 20 when Garcia and several others were drinking alcohol and causing a disturbance in the area of ​​Alpine Road and Old Dale Road, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department. A resident approached the group, but the altercation escalated and ended when Garcia allegedly opened fire. Fortunately, he missed the resident.

Officials said he fled from the group toward Knott Sky Park on El Sol Avenue, near Sullivan Road. He then fired shots at a parked vehicle in the dog park. Inside the vehicle were Gunnery Sgt. Ronald McDonald of the United States Marine Corps and his dog.

After suffering a gunshot wound, McDonald attempted to drive away from the area, but lost control of his car and moments later crashed into another parked car.

Officers seized a gun that they believed belonged to Garcia.

Relatives and friends held a vigil for McDonald, who was also a popular football coach.

“Normally when soldiers are stationed here, they stay on base, do their duty and serve our country,” said Steve Bilderain, mayor of Twentynine Palms. “But you could see from the people here that he made a big impact in the short time he spent here in our community.”