SAN DIEGO — San Diego County Sheriff’s detectives are investigating a drive-by shooting at a North County casino early Saturday morning that left one man in critical condition with a gunshot wound to the back.

The shooting occurred at about 4 a.m. in the front parking lot of the Pauma Casino in Valley Center, according to Sgt. James Emig.

Casino security reported hearing one gunshot before the victim’s female companion fled into the casino. She is cooperating with the investigation, Emig said.

The unidentified victim is in critical, but stable condition at Palomar Medical Center. The circumstances surrounding the shooting are under investigation and may have been gang-related, according to Emig.

Anyone with information on the shooting is encouraged to call Crime Stoppers at 888-580-8477. The caller can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to a felony arrest.

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