Suspect Arrested in Connection with Multiple Shootings in Modesto
Originally published by the Modesto Police Department:
“Gabriel Martinez, a 46-year-old resident of Modesto, was arrested following a months-long investigation into multiple shootings that occurred in the City of Modesto.
The investigation was initiated on December 5, 2023, at 8:40 pm, when Modesto Police Officers responded to a report of a subject shot in the area of Spruce and South Madison Streets. Upon arrival, officers located an adult female victim with at least one gunshot wound. The victim was transported to a local hospital and is currently recovering from her injuries.
Detectives from the Modesto Police Department’s Violent Crimes Unit began their investigation into the case and identified Martinez as the suspect. Detectives obtained an arrest warrant for 664/187 PC – Attempted Murder, with bail set at $1.8 million.
Detectives continued their efforts, conducting witness interviews and searching for Martinez, who had gone into hiding. During the course of the investigation, detectives learned of additional crimes that Martinez was suspected of committing.
These additional crimes date back to March 2023, with the most recent two occurring in November and December. In each case, Martinez is believed to have threatened the victims (all identified as adults) with a firearm. Fortunately, no other injuries have been reported in connection with these crimes.
Based on this information, detectives secured additional warrants for Martinez’s arrest. Over the past few weeks, they tirelessly worked to identify possible locations where Martinez might be located.
Today, on February 8, 2024, detectives successfully located Martinez at a residence in the 300 block of Covena Avenue. Due to the violent nature of the crimes, Martinez’s possession of the firearm used, and his comments about evading arrest, the Modesto Police Department’s Crisis Response Unit, consisting of the SWAT and Crisis Negotiation Teams, was activated and responded to the scene.
Martinez surrendered to the SWAT team without incident, shortly before 1 pm. He was transported and booked into the Stanislaus County Public Safety Center on charges of 664/187 PC – Attempted Murder, 245 PC – Assault with a Deadly Weapon, 29800 PC – Felon in Possession of a Firearm, and an unrelated outstanding warrant issued by the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office.”
