Lawyer wants client examined

Criminal proceedings were suspended Tuesday for the alleged gunman in four freeway shootings that started on Interstate 805 in National City because the man’s lawyer doubts his mental competency to stand trial.
San Diego Superior Court Judge David Danielson was required to suspend proceedings and appointed a psychologist to evaluate Enrique Ayon, 24, in the central jail on Thursday, Dec. 22. The doctor will make a report for a Jan. 13 competency hearing.
If Ayon, of Lancaster, is found mentally competent, a preliminary hearing date will be set. If not, he would be committed to a state mental hospital and later returned when he regains his mental competency.
Ayon is the only suspect in the Oct. 3 shootings and has pleaded not guilty to attempted murder, four counts of shooting at an occupied vehicle, hit and run, and felony vandalism.
The first shooting occurred on Interstate 805 south of Plaza Boulevard in National City when a bullet struck a black Volvo that was driven by a 37-year-old Paradise Hills man. He wasn’t injured. Moments later a 26-year-old motorist was shot in the thigh while driving north on Interstate 805 near Mesa College Drive.
The third shooting was heard by two California Highway Patrol officers on Interstate 805 near state Route 63, but no damage or injuries were reported.