Photo: 200 block of Warren Way
PITTSBURG — A man was arrested on suspicion of shooting a woman with a machine gun earlier this month. The victim survived multiple wounds in her lower torso and received treatment for injuries at a hospital.
On May 9th, machine gun fire erupted in a residential neighborhood, situated between Parkside Elementary School and City Park. Multiple rounds struck the woman and vehicles parked nearby were damaged by bullets.
Authorities believe this crime is related to criminal gang activity. The woman was shot on the 200 block of Warren Way at approximately 3:30 p.m.
Pittsburg police put out a request to other agencies nearby for assistance to apprehend the suspect. He was spotted driving a dark-colored sedan heading west on Willow Pass Road towards Bay Point.
Not long afterward, Contra Costa County Sheriff’s deputies located the suspect’s car. A brief chase ensued before the driver was stopped.
Deputies detained two persons who were inside the vehicle. The driver Christian Benitez, 20, was arrested for evading a police officer and reckless driving.
The passenger identified as Jose Virgen, 49 of Antioch, was booked on five separate charges. His charges include attempted murder and illegal transportation of a machine gun.
Virgen also faces charges for being an addict in possession of a firearm and possession of ammunition. His fifth charge is street terrorism.
