A teenager stands accused of murder after fatally shooting a 29-year-old man with a flare gun in Huntington Beach, California, as police apprehended the fleeing juvenile suspect with the unusual weapon still in his possession.
At a Glance
- Jose Manuel Nares, 29, was shot and killed with a flare gun in Huntington Beach on Friday, May 23, 2025
- A male juvenile suspect was quickly apprehended by police and booked on suspicion of murder
- The incident occurred near Florida Street and Utica Avenue around 8:30 p.m.
- Police recovered the flare gun believed to be used in the shooting
- Authorities believe this was an isolated incident with no ongoing threat to the community
Fatal Confrontation with Unconventional Weapon
Huntington Beach Police responded to reports of a shooting near Florida Street and Utica Avenue at approximately 8:40 p.m. on Friday, May 23. At the scene, officers discovered 29-year-old Jose Manuel Nares with a critical injury. According to police reports, Nares was “suffering from a single gunshot wound inflicted by a flare gun.” First responders transported the victim to a local hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries despite medical intervention.
The suspect, described only as a male juvenile whose identity remains protected due to his age, attempted to flee the area but was quickly intercepted by responding officers. “The suspect initially fled the scene but was quickly located by responding officers,” stated the Huntington Beach Police Department in their official release. During the apprehension, officers recovered what they believe to be the flare gun used in the attack, securing a critical piece of evidence for their investigation.
Investigation Continues as Community Processes Shock
Following his arrest, the teen suspect was transported to and booked at a juvenile detention facility on suspicion of murder. The motive behind the attack remains unclear as investigators work to piece together the circumstances that led to the fatal confrontation. Detectives are actively seeking surveillance footage from the area and asking potential witnesses to come forward with any information that might help clarify the sequence of events.
“Based on the preliminary investigation, detectives believe this was an isolated incident and that there is no ongoing threat to the community,” stated Huntington Beach Police, attempting to reassure local residents concerned about potential broader safety issues.
Authorities have set up dedicated channels for tips and information, encouraging community members with knowledge of the incident to assist in the investigation. The unusual nature of the weapon has drawn particular attention to the case, as flare guns are typically designed as emergency signaling devices rather than weapons capable of inflicting fatal injuries.
Dangerous Misuse of Emergency Equipment
While primarily intended as maritime distress signaling devices, flare guns can cause significant injury when misused. Safety experts note that these devices can be particularly dangerous in close-quarter situations as they discharge burning phosphorus compounds that continue to burn after impact. This incident highlights the potential deadly consequences when emergency equipment is repurposed as a weapon, raising questions about access to and regulation of such devices.
“The suspect initially fled the scene but was quickly located by responding officers. He was identified as a male juvenile,” said Jessica Cuchilla. “The weapon used in the incident was recovered.”
The Huntington Beach community remains stunned by this unusual and tragic incident. Law enforcement officials continue to work diligently on the case, promising a thorough investigation while maintaining appropriate confidentiality given the suspect’s juvenile status. Residents with information are encouraged to contact investigators through the established police channels as the legal process moves forward.
