Full Notification

Newark, California (Wednesday, April 9, 2025) 
 
The Newark Police Department has been actively investigating a series of drive-by shootings that have occurred over the past several months. 
 
On December 20, 2024, three drive-by shootings occurred concurrently, beginning with an incident in Union City, followed by two consecutive shootings in Newark–one on Arrowhead Place and the other on Noel Avenue. During the third incident, a Newark resident sustained a non-life-threatening gunshot wound and has since recovered from the injury.  
 
On February 24, 2025, another drive-by shooting occurred on Spruce Street in Newark. While no individuals were injured, a residence and several vehicles were damaged. 
 
Following an extensive investigation, Detectives from the Southern Alameda County Major Crimes Task Force (SACMCTF) identified Xavier Medina, a 19-year-old male from Newark, as the suspect in three of the shootings.  
 
On April 01, 2025, SACMCTF Detectives safely apprehended and arrested Medina in Oakland. Detectives submitted their case to the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office for review. Medina was formally charged with two counts of attempted murder, two counts of shooting at an inhabited dwelling, committing a felony while on bail, and several associated enhancements. 
 
The Newark Police Department is dedicated to providing exceptional public safety services. Chief Jonathan Arguello emphasized, “We will not tolerate acts of violence against our community and remain committed to bringing those responsible to justice.” 
 
We would like to express our sincere gratitude to our community members for their invaluable partnership in these efforts. Together we are diligently working to ensure the safety of the City of Newark. We also want to extend our thanks to the detectives of the Southern Alameda County Major Crimes Task Force for their hard work during the months-long investigation. 
 
Anyone with information related to this investigation is encouraged to contact Newark Police Acting Lieutenant Yama Homayoun at yama.homayoun@newarkca.gov or 510-578-4920. Information can also be left anonymously on the Anonymous Tip Hotline at 510-578-4965.  
 
For media inquiries, please contact Community Engagement Manager Shobna Sharma at shobna.sharma@newarkca.gov or by phone at 510-578-4929.