Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2010

Response to sounds of gunfire results in arrest of three men

Police Chief: No tolerance for gang violence in city.

CHOWCHILLA NEWS STAFF

A shots fired incident in the 500 block of Trinity Avenue landed three Chowchilla men in jail.

On Feb. 12, at about 8:55 p.m., Chowchilla Police Officers Justin Rogers and Luis Carrillo were on routine patrol in the 400 Block of Humboldt Avenue when they heard three rapid gunshots in the area. The officers spotted a vehicle speeding out of town southbound on Fifth Street. Officers pursued the fleeing vehicle and conducted a high-risk vehicle stop on the vehicle in the area of Road 16, south of the Berenda Slough.

An investigation by the officers revealed that the shooting incident had occurred in the 500 block of Trinity Avenue and that an occupied dwelling had been fired upon. Officers recovered evidence at the scene of the shooting as well as the weapon used in firing at the dwelling.

As a result of the investigation, Ramiro Velarde, 20, Miguel Anthony Moran, 20, and Jesus Sanchez Garcia, 21, all of Chowchilla were arrested and booked at the Madera County Jail for PC246 shooting at inhabited dwelling, PC 182 conspiracy, and PC 186.22 participation in a criminal street gang.

Chowchilla Police Chief Jay Varney stated, "We are very thankful that no one was injured in this senseless act of violence. We have no tolerance for gang related violence. The Chowchilla Police Department will continue to take aggressive actions to limit gang activity in Chowchilla. The officers responsible for this arrest were not just in the right place at the right time. The rapid resolution of this crime was the result of proactive patrolling on their part.

"Citywide budget cuts have prevented the Police Department from filling the department's gang detective position. Until the economy improves and we are able to staff this position, the department will continue to adapt and provide a high level of service to the citizens of Chowchilla. Citizen participation is essential to keeping our community safe. If you have information regarding this incident or any gang activity, contact the Chowchilla Police Department at (559) 665-8600 or anonymously on the Tip Line at (559) 665-8624."