PINOLE — A suspected gang member arrested faces 14 charges for allegedly firing several shots into a vehicle, but fortunately no one was reported injured.
Investigators learned the suspect previously fired shots towards the same vehicle in three separate incidents.
The third time it happened on February 25, police responded to a report of gunfire at 2:44 a.m. This time several callers reported hearing multiple gunshots on the 800 block of Patrick Drive.
When officers arrived, the vehicle was found unoccupied, but damaged with bullet holes. No injured persons were located, nor were any nearby vehicles or residences damaged.
The Pinole Police Department’s criminal investigations division assisted officers who responded to the incident. Authorities learned the suspect’s identity and that he shot at the same vehicle, twice before during early morning hours.
The suspect identified as 31-year-old Ralph Herrera is believed to be a gang member. Herrera was contacted and taken into custody at 10:08 a.m., without further incident.
A search warrant was executed at Herrera’s residence, where a firearm and ammunition were recovered as evidence.
Herrera remains in custody at Contra Costa County’s Martinez Detention Facility, in lieu of $250,000 bond.
He faces various weapons-related felony charges, including being a felon in possession of a firearm. His other charges include DUI alcohol/drugs and violation of probation.
Anyone with information about this case can call the Pinole police criminal investigations division at 510-741-2077.
