Full Notification

Modesto, CA – Gang Investigators have linked a violent gang member to several drive-by shootings. To date, the suspect has been identified as being responsible for four separate gang-related shootings. Investigators believe additional charges may be filed and the investigation continues.

On May 7th, at about 11pm, police were called to a residence in the 2700 block of Jennifer Drive on reports of a shooting into a residence. Officers arrived and discovered someone had driven by in a white 2-door vehicle and fired several rounds into the residence.

Shortly after officers left the residence, a second call came in of another drive-by shooting occurring at the same residence, with the same suspect vehicle. Officers immediately began searching the neighborhood and located the suspect vehicle driving away from the crime scene. Officers pursued the suspect vehicle and eventually arrested Andrew Melendez, a 20-year-old Modesto resident. Melendez was found to be in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Mendez was booked for two counts of Shooting into an Inhabited Dwelling, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Evading Police in a Vehicle, and Probation Violation.

Gang Investigators continued to follow-up on these cases and through their investigation, were able to link Melendez to two additional drive-by shootings. One incident occurred in the 1800 block of Waring Way on May 1st, and the other occurred at the 2400 block of Strivens Avenue on May 2nd.

Melendez is a documented Norteno criminal street gang member and all of these shootings are believed to be gang-related. Although people were inside the residences at the time of each of the shootings, fortunately, no one was injured.

Melendez, who is still in custody for the original arrest from the May 7th shootings, was re-booked at the county jail with additional charges of two counts of Shooting into an Inhabited Dwelling and Gang Enhancement.

“This case was a great example of excellent police work from our uniformed patrol officers on the street in locating and arresting Mr. Melendez, and our Gang Investigators doing the follow-up investigation of identifying Melendez to additional shootings”, said Lieutenant William Ryan, Assistant Commander in the Investigations Services Division.

Police ask anyone who may have information regarding these incidents to please call Crime Stoppers toll free @ (209) 521-4636. Callers to Crime Stoppers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward. Tipsters can also text information to Crime Stoppers by sending a text message to 274637. Just type “TIP704” along with your message.

For information about this news release, contact police spokesman Sergeant Rick Armendariz at (209) 652-1820.