October 26, 2016

All suspects involved in opening fire on MPD patrol car now in custody

In a press conference early Wednesday morning, Madera Police Chief Steve Frazier announced that two of three identified suspects involved in opening fire on an MPD patrol car carrying a civilian ride-along have been taken into police custody.

                    The two three arrested were 26-year-old Serena Arroyo, who police say was the driver, and the shooter, 33-year-old Thomas Garcia. A third suspect, James Cruz, is still at large was captured in the evening on Friday (10/28). Both Garcia and Cruz have been identified as members of the Fresno Bulldog Gang, each with extensive criminal histories. Police say the suspects, all residents of the City of Fresno, had been high on methamphetamine the night of the shooting.

NOTE: Skip ahead to 14:20 for beginning of Press Conference 

On October 23, 2016, in the early hours of the morning, Madera Police Department Officer Julian Garcia attempted to make an enforcement stop on a Mazda SUV traveling west on Howard Road at Schnoor Avenue. The vehicle failed to stop and led the officer on a pursuit. When the pursuit turned onto Lighthouse Drive from Mainberry, the front passenger pointed a firearm out the window and fired approximately nine (9) rounds at the officer’s vehicle. The officer continued to pursue the Mazda and the passenger fired four more rounds at the vehicle as it approached Shannon Avenue. The police vehicle was struck by three rounds, two of them through the windshield narrowly missing the officer and civilian ride along who was riding in the passenger seat. The officer’s vehicle was disabled during the pursuit causing the officer to terminate.

 

The Mazda was later found abandoned on Krest Street a few blocks from where the pursing officer last saw the vehicle. Officer’s searched the area and located an AR15 style pistol and other evidence. The officer was not injured during the incident. The civilian ride along suffered minor scratches from broken glass.

 

 

The investigation is ongoing into identifying all persons in the vehicle. If you have any information, please contact Detective Sergeant Johnny Smith at 559-675-4291.