Chula Vista Man Arrested Following Fatal Shooting in Walmart Parking Lot
CHULA VISTA, CA — The Chula Vista Police Department arrested a 32-year-old man on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, following a shooting in a local Walmart Parking Lot that resulted in the death of an 18-year-old male.
Officers responded to the 1300 block of Eastlake Parkway at approximately 10:32 p.m. after receiving multiple 911 calls reporting a shooting in a Walmart parking lot. Upon arrival, law enforcement personnel located a male victim suffering from a single gunshot wound. Officers performed life-saving measures at the scene, and the victim was subsequently transported to Scripps Mercy Hospital in San Diego, where he was later pronounced deceased. The identity of the 18-year-old Chula Vista resident is being withheld pending family notification.
Following the shooting, the suspect contacted 911 to report the event and waited nearby to contact responding officers. Authorities identified the suspect as 33 year old Thomas Perez of Chula Vista.
The initial investigation indicated that Perez and the victim were engaged in a physical fight when Perez drew a holstered firearm from his waistband and shot the victim. Perez was taken into custody, transported to the County Jail, and booked on a charge of murder under California Penal Code Section 187(a) PC.
The Chula Vista Police Department states that the incident remains under active investigation. Anyone possessing information regarding this case is asked to contact the San Diego Crime Stoppers anonymous tip line at (888) 580-8477.
