Full Notification

On June 17, 2014, Detectives served search and arrest warrants at three locations; two in Los Banos and the third in the city of Dos Palos, California. The warrants were issued following and extensive investigation into the June 7th shooting between rival gang members in the 500 block of I Street, just outside a local bar.

“Detectives spent hours reviewing evidence and talking to witnesses. This investigation was stalled by uncooperative victims and reluctant witnesses, but it did not stop our Detectives from putting the responsible gang members in jail.
- Gary Brizzee, Chief of Police

Detectives arrested 21-year-old Jaime Barron, 22-year-old Javier Centeno, 26-year-old Alberto Barron, 32-year-old Roel Sandoval all of Los Banos and 33-year-old Adrian Villalobos of Dos Palos. At least four of the men arrested are documented members of a criminal street gang.

The suspects were booked into the Los Banos Police Department jail facility charged with assault with a deadly weapon, conspiracy to commit a crime, and participation in a criminal street gang. Sandoval was additionally charged with felon in possession of a firearm.

“This appeared to be an orchestrated attack on rival gang members, who were standing outside the bar. Our Detectives are continuing to work with the Merced County District Attorney’s Office and I’m confident this case will lead in the successful prosecution of all involved.”
- Ivan Mendez, Detective-Sergeant

* Original Press Release - June 10, 2014 *

On June 7, 2014 at approximately 12:39 a.m., Los Banos Police Officers responded to a report of shots fired in the 500 block of I Street. Early reports indicate an unknown male suspect fired
shots and fled the area. The suspect was last seen running south on 6th Street and no further description was provided.

Officers located and detained two males running a short distance from the shooting scene. The two males are connected to criminal street gangs; however, their specific involvement in the shooting is unknown.

A second shooting was reported on June 7, 2014 at approximately 9:11 p.m. in the 100 block of Santa Barbara Street. Officers arrived and located evidence of a shooting, but encountered uncooperative parties. Witnesses reported different versions of events to police, painting an unclear picture for investigators.

“The victims in both cases were uncooperative with Officers and Detectives, leaving many questions unanswered. It becomes more difficult to solve these types of crimes with uncooperative victims and reluctant witnesses, but this will not deter our efforts of finding those responsible and holding them accountable.”
- Jason Hedden, Police Commander

Police are looking for a dark green or blue 4-door sedan and a gold colored Toyota Camry or Chrysler Sebring type vehicle in connection with the Santa Barbara shooting. The involvement of these vehicles and the role the occupants may have played is unclear at this time.

The parties contacted following both shootings have ties to criminal street gangs, but these shootings do not appear to be connected. No injuries were reported in these shootings.

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
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