BAKERSFIELD - The man deputies believe shot a store clerk during a robbery Monday is in custody. The Sheriff's Department said they found him at Kern Medical Center suffering from gunshot wounds.
Deputies said store clerk, Fawzi Mussad and Virginio Zurita exchanged gunfire during the robbery. Mussad was hit in the chest three times and taken to KMC. Deputies said Zurita ran away, but hours later, he and Mussad ended up at the same hospital.
Authorities say Zurita checked into KMC shortly after the shooting Monday with gunshot wounds. Zurita filed a report with the Bakersfield Police Department, saying he had been shot at Maya Cinemas. The Kern County Sheriff's Department was investigating the case. Deputies say once they learned a man checked into KMC shortly after the robbery, they were suspicious.
Deputies said they found evidence linking Zurita to the shooting. There was also video surveillance from the store, which deputies say shows how Zurita was hurt.
"At one point it appears that Zurita is struck by gunfire and where it appears he's struck by gunfire, the video surveillance is consistent with where Zurita's injuries were in the lower back and ankle," said Ray Pruitt, Kern County Sheriff's Department.
Deputies said Mussad is still at KMC with major injuries in stable condition.
Zurita was released and booked into the Kern County Jail. He was arraigned Thursday. Zurita is charged with attempted murder, armed robbery and assault with a deadly weapon. His bail is set at $575,000.