Ex-boyfriend misfires in attempted killing

HIGHLAND — A spurned lover is being sought after his gun misfired in the attempted murder of a sleeping ex-girlfriend.

Gun Threat

Kenneth Wheeler, 20, was reportedly standing next to his ex-girlfriend’s bed early Sunday morning. The victim had awakened “by the feeling that someone was in her apartment,” said Deputy Bryan Bosowski of the San Bernadino County Sheriff’s Office. “She woke up to find that her ex-boyfriend was standing by her bed. She told him to get out and he refused.”

During the argument, the victim attempted to call 911. Wheeler took the cell phone and allegedly told her if she wanted to call the police, he would give her something to call about.

Sheriff’s officials said he pulled a handgun from his clothing, pointed it at her head and squeezed the trigger. The weapon misfired; the victim fled the scene. While the victim was escaping, Wheeler left the area.

San Bernadino sheriff’s deputies assisted by K-9 units from the Fontana Police Department conducted a search for Wheeler, but the suspect was not located and remains at large, armed and dangerous.

Highland is a community located to the east of San Bernardino.