Harbor Freight parking lot shooting suspect, Isagani Tapaoan, 57, of Phelan is arrested during a traffic stop in Phelan.
On Monday, July 6, 2020, at approximately 3:38 p.m., deputies responded to the report of a shooting that had occurred at 7th Street and LaPaz Drive. Upon arrival, deputies located the victim, later identified as Daniel Ramos, 47 of Victorville, suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. The victim was transported to a local area hospital and was pronounced deceased at 4:24 p.m.
Detectives from the Specialized Investigations Division – Homicide Detail responded to the scene to conduct the investigation. Through investigation, detectives determined the victim was shot during a physical altercation in the parking lot. The suspect, later identified as Isagani Tapaoan, fled the location in a grey SUV before deputies arrived at the scene. An extensive search of the area was conducted with the assistance of Sheriff’s Aviation 40K2; the suspect vehicle was not located.
On Tuesday, July 7, 2020, deputies from the Specialized Enforcement Division were requested to assist in the investigation.
On Wednesday, July 8, 2020, deputies located the suspect vehicle in Phelan and conducted a traffic stop. The suspect, Isagani Tapaoan, was found to be the driver; he was detained and transported to the Victorville Police Station. Homicide detectives interviewed Tapaoan, and at the conclusion of the interview, he was transported and booked into the High Desert Detention Center for PC187 Murder; he is being held without bail and is scheduled for court on July 9, 2020.
The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Josh Guerry, Specialized Investigations Division – Homicide Detail at (909)387-3589. Callers can remain anonymous and contact WeTip at 800-78CRIME or www.wetip.com.
