Full Notification

On June 8, 2021, shortly after midnight, Gilroy police officers responded to the intersection of Railroad Street and Martin Street on the report of a gunshot victim.  Upon arrival, officers found 48-year-old Anthony Villalobos unresponsive in the roadway.  Villalobos had sustained at least one gunshot wound.  Officers immediately began CPR.  The Gilroy Fire Department and Rural Metro Ambulance arrived and attempted additional first aid.  Villalobos was subsequently transported to a local trauma center where he was later pronounced deceased.   

On June 9, 2021 at approximately 9 p.m., Gilroy police officers initiated a traffic stop at Luchessa Avenue and Monterey Road on a known wanted subject, Joshua Munoz (36).  Munoz had numerous outstanding felony and misdemeanor warrants for charges including possession of a firearm, resisting arrest, child endangerment, brandishing a weapon, burglary, and violation of probation (PRCS).  Munoz was also a potential suspect for the June 8^th homicide of Anthony Villalobos.

Munoz failed to yield and led officers on a high-speed pursuit south on Highway 101.  During the pursuit, Munoz held a pistol out of the driver window and fired a round at the pursuing officers.  Fortunately, no officers were struck.  Munoz continued southbound to Monterey County where the California Highway Patrol (CHP) took over the pursuit.  Munoz continued to waive the gun out of the window as he fled.

Munoz eventually lost control of his vehicle and crashed at Highway 101 and Laurel Drive in Salinas.  Munoz attempted to flee on foot but was captured by Gilroy and CHP officers.  Officers recovered a pistol and a rifle that Munoz possessed during the pursuit.
 
Munoz was later transported to Santa Clara County Jail where he was booked on charges to include attempted murder of a police officer, felony evasion, felon in possession of a firearm, resisting arrest, and multiple outstanding warrants.

Through an intensive investigation, members of the Gilroy Police Department’s Investigations Unit and Anti-Crime Team (ACT) identified Munoz as the homicide suspect.  On June 14, 2021, the Santa Clara District Attorney’s Office confirmed homicide charges would be filed against Joshua Munoz for the homicide of Anthony Villalobos.

If you have any information regarding this incident, please contact Detective Silva at 408-846-0335.  Parties wishing to remain anonymous may call our Tip Line at 408-846-0330.