Shooting Suspect Arraigned on Two Felony Counts

The San Rafael man accused of shooting his roommate in the abdomen early Monday morning was charged Wednesday with two felony counts.

Edward "Fitz" Outcalt, 49, was formally charged with assault with a firearm and assault with a semiautomatic weapon, notably a Walther TPH 22-caliber handgun. The stocky, gray haired suspect appeared briefly in court with Deputy Public Defender George Shea.

Marin Superior Court Commissioner Roy Chernus ordered Outcalt, who is in custody in Marin County Jail, to appear at 9 a.m. Thursday to enter a plea.

Outcalt did not appear to have any family or friends observing the procedure in the gallery.

Outcalt was arrested after San Rafael Police found a 24-year-old man with a single gunshot wound to the stomach at his home at 45 Marquard Ave. after being alerted by a 911 call. The victim reportedly told police he was shot by his roommate, whom he identified as Outcalt.

Police said Outcalt apparently fled the scene on foot and was found within an hour hiding in bushes at West Street and Marquard Avenue in the city's west end. They said he was taken into custody without incident. A handgun believed to have been used during the shooting was also found, according to police.

The victim underwent surgery Monday at Marin General Hospital and is listed in good condition, according to hospital spokeswoman Jamie Maites.