Realtor Says Client Shot By Deputy In Laguna Woods Retirement Community Snapped After Contractor Went Over-Budget
LAGUNA WOODS (CBSLA) — An Orange County realtor says her client was the suspect shot by an Orange County Sheriff's deputy in a Laguna Woods retirement community Tuesday, after he snapped upon learning his contractor went over-budget.
Deputies responded to a call of a disturbance in the 600 block of Avenida Sevilla around 1 p.m.
A spokesperson for OCSD reported the suspect was taken to a hospital. No deputies were reported injured.
CBS2/KCAL9's Stacey Butler spoke with Jennifer Heflin, who said the shooting was prompted in part by an argument over remodeling plans.
Heflin, who runs Laguna Premier Realty, said she sold the property to Paul Mono five months ago and developed a close relationship with him and his wife.
She said Mono showed her his gun and ammunition Monday and said he wanted to shoot his contractor. But she never dreamed the threat was real and made a trip to his new home the following day to deliver blueprints and receipts for the renovation to the couple.
"I walked in hoping I could calm him down," Heflin said.
Instead, Heflin said Mono snapped after learning the contractor she recommended went over-budget.
"They didn't want to see him. They wanted nothing to do with the contractor," she remembered, adding he "had a gun" and had threatened the contractor.
He punched in his TV, then started waving his gun, she said, pointing it right at her.
"I go, 'Paul, put the gun down ... '" she said. "I wasn't afraid."
Heflin said he did put the gun down and that's when she walked out and drove away. Neighbors say the screaming continued.
Deputies showed up and neighbors say multiple shots were fired.
Mono was taken to the hospital in extremely critical condition.
An investigation is ongoing.
