Crime & Safety

Two Arrested on Suspicion of Drunken Target Shooting

After residents reported hearing shots fired, police tracked down the drunk gunmen.

Two men were arrested and a third detained in Pacifica early today for allegedly shooting at a Dumpster with a rifle while intoxicated.

Residents first called to report the sound of gunshots in the Vallemar area around 3:45 a.m., according to Capt. Joe Spanheimer.

The first officers to respond to the area could not locate anyone and did not hear gunfire.

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A short time later, however, an officer in the police station parking lot heard gunshots, and determined they seemed to be coming from the Sweeney Ridge area north of the station.

Officers walked to the area and determined the location of the gunfire, behind a building, but could not see the shooters.

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Three people walked out from behind the building then, however, one of them holding a .22-caliber rifle.

Two of the suspects, including the one with the rifle, were taken into custody. The third ran away but returned a short time later.

The suspects, all of whom were Pacifica residents, said they were shooting at a metal Dumpster for target practice.

Police arrested Cosmos Rothenberg, 20, on suspicion of negligent discharge of a firearm and public intoxication, and Ryan Lenahan, 20, on suspicion of public intoxication. The third subject was released at the scene.


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