Man, 77, shot more than once, police say

Courtesy of Madera Police Department

Heath Johnston.

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A family dispute almost turned deadly in the front yard of the family home in 2100 block of West Kennedy Street (Avenue 16) near Grenada Avenue according to Madera Police.

Officers say that Heath Raymond Johnston, 31, allegedly shot his 77-year-old stepfather multiple times with a 22 caliber rifle Tuesday night about 8:30.

The victim, Richard Cuellar, was taken to Community Regional Medical Center and is reportedly in stable condition, according to officers.

Johnston, 6’2” and 245 pounds, was found still at the residence by police and was arrested on felony charges of attempted murder. He remains in jail on one million dollars bond.

No drugs or alcohol were thought to be involved. The nature of the dispute was characterized by police as a family disturbance between the two men and the rifle was found at the scene.