Pizza delivery man fatally shot

A pizza delivery driver who authorities believe may have  gone to the aid of a wounded elderly man was fatally shot Tuesday night in Stanton.

According to the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, the incident took place around 7:20 p.m. Deputies were dispatched to the 7000 block of Lessue Avenue, southwest of Orangewood and Western avenues. On arrival they found a 49-year-old  man and a 76-year-old man with gunshot wounds.

They were taken to a local hospital where the 49-year-old man – identified as Juan Cristalinas of Santa Ana – was pronounced deceased.

“Multiple suspects” are reported to have fled the area before deputies arrived. A preliminary investigation indicates that Cristalinas was a pizza delivery driver who may have stopped to assist the older man who was being assaulted. 

The relationship between the injured victim and suspects is under investigation by the OCSD’s homicide bureau and the North Gang Enforcement Team.

Detectives believe that – based on witness statements – the suspects are believed to be four Hispanic or white males.

Anyone with information that might help the investigation is asked to call the OCSD at (714) 647-7000.