Incident at SIR Joaquin Memorial Gym Leads to Arrests and Closure
“On the evening of March 13, 2024, at approximately 7:00 p.m., an assault with a firearm took place in the SIR Joaquin Memorial Gym. This incident was immediately reported to 911 and the Susanville City Police Department responded to the incident. The 911 call stated that two subjects entered the gym and were pointing a handgun at the occupants. While the police were enroute to the scene, a vehicle description was broadcasted to all units.
The suspected vehicle was observed and stopped. Four subjects were located in the vehicle. One passenger fled from the vehicle, and the three remaining were detained. A search of the vehicle was conducted and resulted in the seizure of two firearms: a 9mm Semi-Automatic and a 38 Caliber Revolver. Officers conducted an area search for the subject who fled, and the subject was found behind a residence near the scene. This subject was identified as Daniel Merino-Valadez who was arrested and cited for obstruction/delaying/resisting a peace officer.
One of the victims who had the firearm pointed at them, was brought to the scene, and positively identified the vehicle and the two occupants as being responsible. Noah Del Llano was arrested for Assault with a Firearm, carrying of a concealed weapon in a vehicle, and Conspiracy to commit a crime. The second subject was Kyjuan Castro who was arrested for Conspiracy to commit a crime and carrying a concealed weapon in a vehicle.
The following information is an overview of the initial response at the Susanville Indian Rancheria, and our plan of action moving forward.
- The Joaquin Memorial Gym is currently closed for the rest of this week and will reopen on March 25, 2024.
- The gathering of SIR video Surveillance and other essential information from the Joaquin Memorial Gym will be forwarded to the proper authorities investigating this incident.
- SIR Administration, Tribal Business Council and the internal processes to help ensure we are doing our best to keep this a safe place for our youth.
The Susanville Indian Rancheria will continue to assist the Susanville City Police Department with their investigation.
If you have particular concerns, or questions about safety, I encourage you to contact my office at (530) 251-5631.
Respectfully,
Maureen Curley Tribal Administrator”
