Staff Reports

Photo Courtesy: City of Pomona

Pomona – On Sun., Mar. 1 at approximately 3:20 p.m., the Pomona Police Department received a “Victim of a Shooting” call at Willie White Park, located at 3065 Battram Street.  Upon arrival, Officers observed a male African-American victim near the playground area suffering from a gunshot wound.  Additional information from witnesses indicated that there was a possible second victim; however Officers were unable to locate him.

The victims, Jonathan Watts, 42, of Pomona; and a juvenile, 16, of Las Vegas, were in the park barbequing prior to the shooting, when suspects stopped their vehicle and proceeded to fire at the crowd indiscriminately.  The motive for this shooting may be gang related; however, this has not been confirmed.
Preliminary information received indicated that four male African-American suspects fled northbound in a gray or silver 4-door sedan. The victim, Watts, was transported by ambulance to a local hospital in critical condition, where he succumbed to his wounds and was pronounced deceased. While at the hospital, officers contacted the second victim who walked into the emergency room suffering from non life-threatening gunshot wound(s).
Anyone with information regarding this incident should call the Pomona Police Department at (909) 620-2085. For anyone willing to provide information that wishes to remain anonymous, contact “Crime Stoppers” at 1-800-222-8477.