“Armed and dangerous” suspect in Paso Robles shooting spotted at Hwy 101 gas station

MONTEREY, Calif. (KION) UPDATE: As authorities continue a massive manhunt, they received a tip overnight.

Around 2 a.m. the alleged gunman, Mason Lira, 26, from the Monterey area, was spotted at a gas station convenience store. The clerk called 911 and says Lira did not show a weapon, 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.

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The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's Office identified 26-year-old Mason James Lira of the Monterey area as the suspect in a shooting spree that began early Wednesday Morning.

Two deputies responded after shots were fired at a Paso Robles Police Station at around 3:45 a.m.

One SLO County deputy was shot in the face and is in serious but stable condition.

Hours later, a transient was found shot to death at a Paso Robles train station.

Law enforcement believes these incidents are connected.

Monterey County Court records show Lira was arrested for two misdemeanors in Monterey County this year.

One of them was for threats of violence back in May and was dismissed.

Lira was also arrested for trespassing in Santa Cruz back in February of 2019.

The search for Lira suspect continues.

If identified, law enforcement is asking people not to approach Lira and to call 911.

Last night, there was heavy police presence in Paso Robles following a call about a shooting.

It has not been confirmed if this incident is related to the Lira.

KION News will provide updates as coverage continues.