EXCLUSIVE – CLICK HERE to see four of John Albert Gardner’s previous mugshots plus court documents from a previous case
Registered sex offender John Albert Gardner was arrested in San Diego Sunday afternoon stemming from the disappearance of San Diego area teen Chelsea King, who went missing after last being seen going for a jog in Rancho Bernardo Community Park Thursday.
Police found evidence in the park where 17-year-old King of San Diego suburb Poway disappeared that led them to 30-year-old Gardner.
Here is a video from NECN:
“During the course of this extensive investigation, evidence was discovered that linked Gardner to Miss King in such a manner to warrant his arrest,” said San Diego County Sheriff William D. Gore. “Specific criminal charges against Gardner are still being determined.”
Gardner was arrested at a restaurant in Escondido, which is approximately seven miles from Rancho Bernardo Community Park. Gore made sure to clarify that the investigation is ongoing: “I want to emphasize this investigation is not over. Our primary goal in all of this is to find Chelsea King. We are continuing those efforts — there are several searches going on around the county.”
As for hopes of still being able to find Chelsea King alive, Gore says, “We’re holding out that hope.”
John Albert Gardner shows up on the California Registered Sex Offender list as being charged with “Lewd or Lascivious acts with child under 14 years.”
Police are saying they are also looking at Gardner, for an assault in the same park on December 27.
‘Missing’ posters for 17-year-old Chelsea King. Call 858-565-5200 with any info!
Upon our request for information on Gardner’s arrest, we received the following from the San Diego Sheriff’s Office, which seems to indicate he has been charged with first degree murder:
Arrest: 1
Charge#: 1
Bail Flag: N
Bail Amount:$0.00
Description:MURDER:FIRST DEGREE
Code:PC
Statute:187(A) PC
Arrest: 1
Charge#: 2
Bail Flag: I
Bail Amount:$0.00
Description:RAPE BY FORCE/FEAR/ETC
Code:PC
Statute:261(A)(2) PC
Bail Flag Codes:
Y or I – Charge is eligible for bail.
H or N – Inmate may not be bailed out on that given charge.
B – Bail is not required on this charge.
***For those sleuthers out there, it should be noted that on his arrest report from the San Diego Sheriff’s Office he is listed as John Albert Gardner III (Or at least his middle name is listed as “Albert, III”)
