Male Victim Airlifted After Victorville Shooting

VICTORVILLE – A 38-year-old Victorville man was airlifted after being shot in the right arm and right side of his chest Tuesday night.

At approximately 9:40 p.m. deputies responded to the 14600 block of Manzano Road in the county area of Victorville. When they arrived they learned, according to witness statements, there was a family gathering at the home. The suspect, 42-year-old Darryl Hunter of Apple Valley and the victim, Melvin Blanks began to argue leading to the shooting. Witnesses reported five shots being fired, two hitting the victim and one only grazing him.

The suspect fled the scene eastbound from the location and northbound on Del Gado Road in a white 4-door sedan, possibly a Kia. The victim was transported to Desert Valley Hospital where an air ambulance awaited to transport him to Loma Linda Hospital for the treatment of injuries sustained in the shooting.

Deputies are continuing the investigation, with several at the hospital to interview the victim. The suspect remains at large at this time, deputies are searching the homes of several Hunter’s friends and family members.   
UPDATE:. 10-12-16 2:35 pm

In a Wednesday afternoon, press release authorities are identifying the suspect as “unknown”.  It is unclear if the initially reported suspect has been cleared of the shooting, or if they are simply not releasing his name at this time. The family of Blanks said that he remains at the hospital in stable condition.

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