Security Cameras and Automated License Plate Reader help lead police to identify a suspect who discharged a firearm after an altercation.
San Mateo, CA – On February 12, 2026, at approximately 8:47am, SMPD received a call from a reporting party claiming someone had just shot a gun in the air in the 800 block of N. Humboldt St. and walked away with a female subject. Officers flooded the area immediately and located a .45 caliber bullet case at that location. Further investigation determined the reporting party and suspect had been involved in an altercation.
Attempts to locate the individuals were unsuccessful at the time, however, an extensive neighborhood canvas for security cameras and witnesses proved fruitful. From that “boots on the ground approach”, SMPD was able to locate abundant footage of the subjects prior to and after the incident. Descriptions of both, as well as an associated vehicle were obtained. An SMPD Dispatcher, utilizing our automated license plate readers, was able to locate the vehicle, which confirmed the identity of the shooter.
Once probable cause was confirmed and a search warrant was authored, on February 25, 2026, authorities were able to take the shooter, identified as Alfredo Chavez, into custody in San Jose where he resides. During the search warrant, a loaded .45 caliber firearm and ammunition were located inside his vehicle and residence. Chavez was arrested, transported and booked into the San Mateo County Jail on the charges listed below.
Firing warning shots or celebratory gunfire is dangerous. What goes up must come down, and when it does, it could cause significant injury to someone or something. Thankfully, there were no injuries in this case, but it is a valuable reminder to everyone. It is also worth reminding our community, the use of security cameras is helping law enforcement immensely when solving crime. If you have security cameras, please register them with us at sanmateoconnect.org. If you don’t have any, please think about investing in them.
ARRESTED
Alfredo Chavez, 45-year-old San Jose resident
CHARGES:
245(a)(2)PC-Assault with a firearm on a person, 246.3(a)PC-Willful discharge of a firearm in a grossly negligent manner, 25400(a)(2)PC-Carry a concealed weapon on a person, 25850(c)(1)PC-Carry a loaded weapon with a prior felony, and 30305(a)(1)PC-Prohibited person possessing ammunition.
