Paso Robles suspect spotted overnight at gas station convenience store
PASO ROBLES, Calif. - As authorities continue a massive manhunt for a man who shot a San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's Deputy, they received a tip overnight.
Around 2 a.m. Thursday the alleged gunman, Mason Lira, 26, was spotted at a gas station convenience store. The clerk called 911 and said Lira did not show a weapon, but was sweating profusely and looked extremely tired.
Heavily armed law enforcement from federal, state and local agencies rushed to the store on the south end of the Paso Robles, near Highway 46 and Highway 101.
Lira is believed to have fled into a nearby riverbed. The search is now focused in that area.
San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's deputies barricaded off streets in downtown Paso Robles as they continued their search for Lira.
Just before 11 p.m. Wednesday, Paso Robles police said they were searching the areas of Spring Street and First. They asked people to avoid the area.
A NewsChannel crew at the scene said two helicopters were flying overhead and several streets were blocked off around downtown. This comes hours after a shelter-in-place was lifted for the area.
Lira remains wanted by law enforcement and the search for him has expanded to multiple counties, although the primary focus is on the riverbeds surrounding the city.
