Police: Suspect in fatal Middletown shooting could be fleeing to Mexico

Tomas Prieto Morales may have been involved in a deadly shooting Saturday night in Middletown. MIDDLETOWN POLICE

Tomas Prieto Morales may have been involved in a deadly shooting Saturday night in Middletown. MIDDLETOWN POLICE

Middletown police are searching for a man involved in a deadly shooting Saturday night.

Police were called at 9:49 p.m. to the 4100 block of Bonita Drive at 9:49 p.m. for a call of shots fired. They found a dead man in the driveway, according to police. The name of the deceased hasn’t been released.

Police said they are looking for Tomas Prieto Morales, 52, who is possibly driving a white 2007 Chevrolet Express Cargo Van with license PKW8310 or a white Chevrolet box truck with license PKV3129.

Middletown Police Maj. Scott Reeve said Morales lives at the Bonita residence. During the incident, there was a knock on the door, and Morales did not answer.

“It was like they knew there was trouble coming,” Reeve said.

Morales went outside, and that is when police say he shot the man found dead. He then fled, police say.

Reeve said Morales talked to family members by phone after the shooting, but he later turned off the cellphone. He may be fleeing to Mexico, Reeve said. A national “be on the lookout” call has been issued.

Anyone who sees Morales or either vehicle should call 911 or 513-425-7700. Detective Ryan Morgan is leading the investigation, and he can be reached at 513-425-7735.

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