HMB Gang Shooting Suspect Pleads Not Guilty

A 21-year-old man suspected of and allegedly attempting to shoot a third in Half Moon Bay's Arleta Park neighborhood in August pleaded not guilty to all charges during his arraignment in San Mateo County Superior Court on Tuesday.

According to county District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe, DeLeon faces three counts of attempted murder with a criminal street gang enhancement, three counts of felony assault with a firearm, and possession of marijuana for sale in connection with the incident that took place on Aug. 14.

DeLeon, a Half Moon Bay resident and known Norteño gang member, was targeting members of the Sureños gang when he opened fire, according to the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office.

One man was shot in the chest and the hand, and another was shot in the foot. Both survived. A third was determined to be close enough to the other two victims, which relegated his location to be within the shooting zone, according to Wagstaffe.

While one victim was uncooperative with the Sheriff's Office, another referred to the shooting suspect as "Spooky," the nickname identified by authorities as DeLeon's street name.

DeLeon waived his right to a speedy preliminary hearing and was subsequently scheduled for a preliminary hearing on Jan. 31 in county court.

The suspect is currently in custody on no bail status.

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