The Modesto Police Department has arrested three individuals in connection to a fatal shooting that occurred earlier this month in West Modesto.
According to a press release by Modesto PD, officers responded to the scene of a reported shooting near Monticello Lane, south of West Hatch Road, in the early morning hours of Wednesday, June 7. Authorities received reports of a man shot and dispatched officers to the scene shortly after 4:30 AM.
Upon arrival, officers reportedly discovered an adult male inside a vehicle with at least one gunshot wound. The victim was transported to a local hospital for treatment but later died from his injuries.
The victim has been identified as 37-year-old Emmanuel Gomez of Modesto.
Police say that Gomez was following three individuals who were allegedly burglarizing his neighbor’s vehicle. As the suspects were fleeing, one of them allegedly fired multiple rounds at Gomez, causing him to crash his truck into a nearby orchard on Monticello Lane.
After conducting an investigation, the Modesto Police Department’s Violent Crimes Unit arrested three suspects in connection with the homicide. The alleged shooter, 20-year-old Deshawn Austin, has been booked on suspicion of homicide, being armed with a firearm while committing a felony, and burglary.
Two 16-year-old juveniles were also arrested and face charges of burglary.
The Modesto Police Department is continuing its investigation and encourages anyone with information about the incident to come forward and assist in the ongoing investigation.
