Argument escalated but none injured, authorities say

A 52-year-old Benicia man was arrested Monday, accused of firing two shots at another man with whom he had an earlier altercation, Lt. Frank Hartig said Tuesday.

Hartig said the man has been identified as Robert Roy Ticer, who is prohibited from having a firearm because of a conviction for a felony-level burglary charge.

Benicia Police Dispatch Center began receiving reports about 6:09 p.m. Monday from callers who said shots were being fired near an apartment complex in the 600 block of Military East.

Officers were given a description of the man suspected of firing the gun, as well as the other man, said to be a 47-year-old Benicia resident. The suspect then fled the area on foot, Hartig said.

As police began searching for the suspect, Cpl. Jeff Harris saw a man fitting his description leaving a residence that wasn’t connected with the shooting incident, Hartig said.

Harris, assisted by additional officers, asked an occupant of that residence for permission to look for clothing the suspect was said to have been wearing, as well as the firearm, Hartig said. The officers found both, he said.

Hartig said the weapon was a Colt .38 caliber revolver with two spent shells in the cylinder and four live bullets.

“Ticer was just visiting this residence and does not live at this location,” Hartig said.

Meanwhile, police interviewed witnesses to the shooting incident and learned that the suspect and the victim had become involved in an altercation, Hartig said.

Though Hartig said the department wouldn’t provide other information on the other man, he said the suspect displayed a handgun during the argument and fired twice at him.

“One of the bullets traveled across the 600 block of Military East and lodged into another apartment complex wall,” Hartig said. “Both bullets fired were recovered by police.”

He said the suspect missed the victim, who apparently received no injuries during the incident.

Hartig said the suspect invoked his rights listed in the Miranda warning, so no questions were asked about this incident.

He said Ticer has been booked into Solano County Jail, Fairfield, accused of shooting at an unoccupied dwelling, shooting a firearm in a gross or negligent manner, assault with a deadly weapon (firearm), and being a felon in possession of a firearm, all felonies; as well as use of a firearm in city limits and violation of probation.

Bail would have been $45,000, but the violation of probation charge means Ticer must remain confined at the jail, according to the jail’s booking log.

“Ticer was previously convicted of burglary, and therefore can’t possess firearms,” Hartig said.

“He currently is on probation for a previous DUI (driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol) conviction.”