Two Gilroy men arrested in connection with gang-motivated attack 
On April 18, 2025, the Gilroy Police Department, in coordination with multiple allied agencies, served two arrest and search warrants related to a December 2023 gang-related assault in downtown Gilroy.
In December 2023, three victims were violently attacked by a group of males in what investigators later determined to be a gang-motivated incident. One victim sustained serious, but non-life-threatening, injuries. Through follow-up investigation, Gilroy Police Department’s Anti-Crime Team learned the attack was intended to intimidate or retaliate against witnesses connected to a 2001 gang-related homicide that occurred in the City of Gilroy.
As a result of the investigation, the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office issued felony arrest warrants for two suspects involved in the assault. On April 18, 2025, those warrants were served at the suspects’ residences by the Gilroy/Morgan Hill SWAT Team and the Santa Clara Police Department Special Response Team (SRT).
This multi-agency operation was supported by the Campbell Police Department SWAT and K-9 Teams, the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Emergency Response team (SERT), the Sunnyvale Department of Public Safety SWAT team, the Santa Clara County Specialized Enforcement Team (SCCSET), and the San Benito County Criminal Apprehension Suppression Prevention Response Team (CASPR). The Gilroy Fire Department and CalFire also assisted to ensure scene safety during the operation.
Both suspects were safely taken into custody. They are identified as George Plaza, 49, and Paul Plaza, 51. Both are Gilroy residents.
During the service of the search warrants, stolen and illegal firearms, as well as ammunition, were located and seized.
The Gilroy Police Department remains committed to protecting our community and holding violent offenders accountable. We are grateful for the continued collaboration with our public safety partners in the ongoing effort to reduce gang violence and safeguard the residents of Gilroy.
Media inquiries can be sent to 408-846-0347.
Address/Location
Gilroy Police Department
7301 Hanna St
Gilroy, CA 95020
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 408-846-0350
