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Police search for shooter in suspected gang quarrel
McAbee and Martinez
An arrest warrant has been issued for Thomas McAbee, 21, of Ceres for the shooting of a Turlock man on March 8. Luis Martinez, 21, of Turlock has already been arrested for the same shooting.

A Ceres man is being sought by law enforcement on allegations of attempted murder after firing a gun at a Turlock man in what investigators believe is a gang-related shooting.

An arrest warrant has been issued for Thomas McAbee, 21, of Ceres for the shooting. He is wanted on charges of attempted murder, participation in a criminal street gang and the use of a firearm during the commission of a felony.

The shooting 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 location to see someone. While there, McAbee and Luis Martinez, 21, of Turlock arrived at the home.

It wasn’t long before the situation between the two parties deteriorated. Turlock investigators said McAbee and Martinez confronted the male victim in front of the residence and challenged him to fight.

The man and woman decided to leave and were in their vehicle pulling out of the parking lot when a gunshot rang out.

“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.

McAbee should be considered armed and dangerous. Do not approach or contact McAbee, call 9-1-1.
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.