Man Arrested for Allegedly Gunning Down Acquaintance

Hemet, CA — A man suspected of gunning down an acquaintance on a Hemet street was being held Thursday on $1 million bail.

Joseph Wright, 43, of Hemet was arrested Wednesday on suspicion of murder, assault with a deadly weapon, domestic violence and making terrorist threats in connection with the slaying of 35-year-old Christopher Maynard of Hemet.

The attack happened about 2 a.m. Tuesday in the 1300 block of Alabaster Drive, near Esplanade Avenue, Hemet police said.

Lt. Eddie Pust alleged that Wright and Maynard were involved in an altercation, culminating in the suspect pulling a handgun and firing several shots, one of which struck the victim in the stomach.

Officers arrived moments later and found Maynard lying in the street. He was taken to Riverside University Medical Center in Moreno Valley, where he underwent emergency surgery, clinging to life until just before noon, when he was pronounced dead.

Investigators have not disclosed what may have sparked the confrontation.

— By City News Service.