Full Notification

On January 21, 2014, at approximately 1:06 p.m., Detective Melden of the Los Banos Police Department arrested 57-year-old, Jimmie Dale Agamao in connection with the January 14, 2014 shooting.
Agamao’s attorney made arrangements for Agamao to turn himself into Police Tuesday afternoon. Agamao is represented by Modesto based attorney, John Hillenbrand.

Agamao was charged with felon in possession of a firearm; he remains in custody at the Los Banos Police Department Jail in lieu of $50,000.00 bail.

The victim of the gunshot wound has been identified as 33-year-old, Christopher Harris of Pleasanton, California.

Agamao made a claim of self defense in a statement provided to investigators. Agamao told detectives he was attacked by Harris, who was in possession of an unspecified weapon. In a later interview, Harris confirmed to detectives, his involvement in attacking Agamao with a weapon.

Harris has not been arrested at this time due his medical condition, caused by the gunshot wound.

“This investigation is ongoing; given the complex nature, we will be working with the District Attorney’s Office to determine if charges will be filed against Harris.”
-Justin Melden, Detective

*Original Press Release- January 15, 2014*

Shooting Investigation Leads to SWAT Response

On January 14, 2014, at approximately 7:14 p.m., officers responded to a business in the 600 block of Pacheco Boulevard after receiving a report that a shooting victim was on scene and in need of assistance. Officers arrived and located a 33-year-old male suffering from a gunshot wound to the upper body.

Officers learned the victim was shot at a residence in the 500 block of Chablis Court, following a verbal altercation. The victim was driven to the business by friends after the shooting and help was summoned. The victim was transported to a Modesto area hospital where he was treated and released.

The Department has identified the suspect as 57-year-old, Jimmie Dale Agamao. A search warrant for the residence on Chablis Court was issued by the Merced County Superior Court; the warrant was executed by the Merced County Sheriff’s SWAT team.

Officers contacted a 37-year old female inside the residence and learned Agamao was not at the residence. A witness to the shooting told detectives Agamao was last seen walking south on Chablis Court towards Driftwood Drive, he is believed to be in possession of the firearm.

Agamao is described as a Hispanic male adult, approximately 5 foot 4 inches tall, 180 pounds, having brown eyes and a bald head. Agamao was last seen wearing a black Dickies style jacket and blue jeans.

“We’d like to thank the Merced County Sheriff’s Department for their assistance during this investigation. We have a great partnership with the Sheriff’s Department; having their resources available to us is invaluable to our community.”
-Jason Hedden, Police Commander

This shooting is currently under investigation and anyone with information on this crime is urged to contact Detective Melden at (209) 827-7070, extension “114.”

“We encourage residents to keep an eye out for Mr. Agamao and report any information regarding his whereabouts directly to us. I hope Mr. Agamao realizes he’s made a mistake and turns himself in; until that time comes we won’t stop looking for him.”
-Gary Brizzee, Chief of Police

Agamao should be considered armed and dangerous. If members of the public have information concerning his whereabouts they should immediately dial 911. You should not attempt to detain him.

To leave an anonymous crime tip call 209-827-7070 Ext. 288. If you have access to a computer and the internet you can also leave an anonymous tip at the Police Department’s web page at www.losbanos.org. At the bottom of the “Contact” page simply click on the “report graffiti and other crime” link or visit the Merced Area Crime Stoppers by telephone at 1-855-725-2420, or at www.mercedareacrimestoppers.org