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Ceres suspect in Turlock shooting arrested
Thomas McAbee
Thomas McAbee

The 21-year-old Ceres man wanted in connection to a suspected gang shooting in Turlock was apprehended Tuesday during a traffic stop.

The Turlock Police Department had an arrest warrant issued for Thomas McAbee, 21, of Ceres on charges of attempted murder, participation in a criminal street gang and the use of a firearm during the commission of a felony. The charges stem from a shooting that happened around 7:30 p.m. March 8 in the 1400 block of South First Street in Turlock.

The male victim and a female friend drove to the S. First Street location to meet someone and while there, McAbee and Luis Martinez, 21, of Turlock arrived at the scene. An argument ensued between the two parties and McAbee and Martinez challenged the male victim to a fight.

The man and woman opted to leave and were pulling out of a parking lot when they were shot at by McAbee and Martinez, according to the police department.

“It is believed that both McAbee and Martinez were responsible for firing a gun at the victim as he attempted to leave,” the Turlock Police Department stated in a news release. “The motive for the shooting is believed to be due to the victim’s gang member status.”

Investigators were able to identify McAbee and Martinez as the suspected shooters. Around 4:30 p.m. March 14, Martinez was located and arrested for attempted murder for the shooting. He was booked in the Stanislaus County Jail with additional allegations of participation in a criminal street gang and the use of a firearm during the commission of a felony.

Shortly after 5 p.m. Tuesday, McAbee was located and taken into custody without incident during a traffic stop conducted by Turlock Police detectives.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to call Detective Paul Inderbitzen at 668-5550 ext. 6751. You can also contact the Turlock Police Department’s Tip Line at 668-5550 ext. 6780 or email at tpdtipline@turlock.ca.us, if you wish to remain anonymous.

The Turlock Police Department is an active participant in the Crime Stoppers Program. Callers can leave an anonymous tip by calling Crime Stoppers at 521-4636 and may be eligible for a cash reward.