MEDIA RELEASE / COMMUNITY ALERT
For Immediate Release No. 20220127-006
Thursday January 27, 2022
SMPD Identifies and Arrests Shooting Suspect After Diligent Investigation
San Mateo, CA- The San Mateo Police Department arrests attempted murder suspect Joel Tovar Ramirez after an extensive and comprehensive investigation connected to a shooting on December 20, 2021 on Flores Street in San Mateo. The investigation is ongoing.
On Monday, December 20, 2021 at approximately 8:06 p.m., San Mateo Police Department officers responded to the 2600 block of Flores Street on the report of a collision and “shots fired.” Upon arrival, officers discovered a bullet riddled vehicle stopped in the middle of the street and a 27-year-old male who told officers someone shot at him.
SMPD launched an investigation. SMPD Detectives worked meticulously to develop investigative leads. SMPD identified Joel Tovar Ramirez as a suspect for the shooting. SMPD detectives executed search warrants at locations in both East Palo Alto and Mountain View in connection with this investigation. The Mountain View Police Department safely arrested Tovar Ramirez. SMPD K9 Harry, his handler, and SMPD detectives located two handguns, a short barrel assault rifle, an extended magazine, and a stun gun at the Mountain View location. Evidence collected as a result of these search warrants is being analyzed and processed. Tovar Ramirez was transported to the Santa Clara County Jail and booked on charges for attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon.
San Mateo Police detectives are actively working this investigation. No tip is too small in this case. If you were driving in the area, have an in-car camera, or saw anything out of the ordinary, please contact police immediately at (650) 522-7700. Anyone with information or security footage related to this shooting is encourage to contact Detective Sergeant Paul Pak at (650) 522-7660 or [email protected].
Anonymous tips can be submitted to http://tinyurl.com/SMPDTips or by calling (650) 522-7676.
Remember, “If you see something, say something.” We’re encouraging our community to utilize security cameras. They are especially helpful identifying suspicious activity in neighborhoods when cameras are street facing. Our officers regularly canvass for surveillance and you can help by notifying SMPD where cameras are located in your neighborhood at http://www.cityofsanmateo.org/Nest.
This remains an open and active investigation.
ARRESTED
Joel Tovar Ramirez, a 20-year-old Mountain View Resident
Charges: Attempted Murder (664/187 PC) and Assault with a Deadly Weapon (245(a)(2) PC)
MEDIA CONTACT
Alison Gilmore
Public Information Officer | Office of the Chief
City of San Mateo Police Department
200 Franklin Pkwy, San Mateo, CA 94403
650-522-7626 | [email protected]
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