Photo: Carlos Duran and Pamela Pedraza-Melgoza
SUNNYVALE — A man and a woman believed responsible for committing a gang-related shooting are in custody with bail denied. They were arrested by SWAT teams from Sunnyvale and San Jose working together.
The attempted homicide occurred on December 8 shortly after sundown. It happened near apartments at the intersection of Columbia and Roosevelt avenues in Sunnyvale at approximately 5:15 p.m.
The victim was shot once in his back, while he was running away from the suspects. He was taken to a hospital to receive medical care and was later released.
Investigators obtained arrest and search warrants, executed at a residence in San Jose on December 18. Both suspects, 26-year-old Carlos Duran and 20-year-old Pamela Pedraza-Melgoza were arrested without further incident.
Duran allegedly shot the victim and then fled to a waiting car parked nearby. Pedraza-Melgoza is accused of being his accomplice and driving that getaway car.
Both suspects were booked for attempted murder with criminal street gang enhancements, and firearms-related charges. Duran is being housed at Santa Clara County Jail. Pedraza-Melgoza is being held at the Elmwood Women’s Correctional Complex.
Duran has an extensive prior arrest record. He has been previously arrested 17 times for various offenses, including drug-related crimes. He also was arrested for being an addict in possession of a firearm, and vehicle thefts three times.
The investigation of the shooting remains ongoing. Anyone with information can contact Sunnyvale police detective Corrine Abernathy at 408-730-7134 or cabernathy@sunnyvale.ca.gov.
