Apple Valley man charged with attempted murder in gas station shooting

A man accused of shooting and severely wounding a woman at an Apple Valley gas station in what authorities described as a seemingly "random" attack pleaded not guilty to a lengthy list of criminal charges on Friday.

Michael Bullock, 42, of Apple Valley denied charges of attempted murder, assault with a firearm, shooting at an inhabited vehicle and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon during an appearance in the Victorville branch of San Bernardino County Superior Court, records show. He also denied a list of sentence-enhancing allegations such as personally using a firearm, inflicting great bodily injury and having prior felony convictions.

The shooting was first reported about 7 p.m. Tuesday outside a business at the corner of Apple Valley and Yucca Loma roads, according to San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department officials.

Responding deputies encountered a 21-year-old woman who had been shot in the face and body.

She was flown by helicopter to a trauma center, where she was in "critical but stable" condition, the sheriff's department said in a written statement. She was "awake and aware" when taken to the hospital, agency spokeswoman Mara Rodriguez said.

Witnesses told deputies the shooter had fled in a vehicle, and deputies began scouring the area in search of him.

Two bullet holes could be seen through the driver-side window of a white Kia Forte. Witnesses said the victim been shot while seated in the car.

Minutes later, officials received information that the suspect was at a home in Apple Valley, according to the sheriff's department. He was found and taken into custody at 7:36 p.m.

"This shooting was found to be random, as the victim and suspect did not know each other," the statement said.

In addition to the new charges, Bullock was accused of violating the terms of felony probation stemming from a prior conviction, county booking records show.

He was being held without bail pending legal proceedings.

Anyone with information can reach the Apple Valley Police Department at (760) 240-7400. Anonymous tips may also be submitted to We-Tip at (800) 782-7463.

This article originally appeared on Visalia Times-Delta: Apple Valley man charged with attempted murder in gas station shooting