Molestation suspect may have shot himself

SAN LUIS OBISPO — A Nipomo man who was a registered sex offender allegedly shot himself Wednesday morning, a day after being arrested on suspicion of child molestation charges, according to San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s officials.

Michael John Dominguez, 52, was arrested at his Oceano business, Shine It Auto Detail, on the 1100 block of Pike Street at 5 p.m. Tuesday on suspicion of molesting a 16-year-old boy, according to officials. The victim told officials that the molestation started two years ago, when Dominguez lured him with gifts.

A relative of Dominguez posted $250,000 bail at 11:33 p.m. Tuesday, officials said. At 9:13 a.m. Wednesday, Dominguez was found dead of a gunshot wound at his home on the 1300 block of La Loma in Nipomo. His mother discovered the body.

“The preliminary investigation leads us us to believe the gunshot (wound) was self-inflicted,” said Sheriff’s Commander Brian Hascall.

The department’s Sex Crime Unit is looking into the possibility that Dominguez may have molested other victims. Anyone with additional information should call the San Luis Obispo Sheriff’s Department at (805) 781-4500.

“When there’s one victim, there could be others,” said Rob Bryn, sheriff’s spokesman. “We’re looking to flesh those (details) out.”