Full Notification

On the evening of August 4^th, 2023, El Cerrito Police Officers were dispatched to the area of Moeser Lane near San Pablo Avenue in the city of El Cerrito for a report of shots being fired from a firearm at a passing vehicle.  When officers arrived, they located shell casings on the ground and witnesses said the suspect fired several shots and then ran away from the scene.  At the time, no victim contacted the police department to report the shooting. 

El Cerrito Police Detectives conducted a thorough investigation and were able to identify Walter Martinez, a 47 year old man from the City of San Pablo, as being responsible for shooting at the vehicle.  They were also able to identify and speak to the victim who had been shot at that evening.  The facts of this case were presented to a Contra Costa County Superior Court Judge, and they signed an arrest warrant for Walter Martinez and a search warrant for his residence. 

On the morning of April 15^th, 2024, the El Cerrito Police Department with the assistance of the San Pablo Police Department SWAT Team served the arrest warrant and search warrant at Martinez’ residence in the City of San Pablo.  Walter Martinez was taken into custody safely and detectives from the El Cerrito Police Department searched the residence and located a firearm and other evidence linking him to the crime.  Walter Martinez was transported to the Martinez Detention Facility after being booked at the El Cerrito Police Department.