Full Notification

WHAT: Assault with a Firearm (Updated News Release)

WHERE: Santa Rosa Park, San Luis Obispo, CA

WHEN: November 7th, 2012

SUSPECT: Benjamin Adam Ma, 19 years old, resident of Fresno
Arrested in Fresno on his warrant on 4/19/13

SUSPECT: Mitchell Soundara, 18 year old, resident of Fresno
**Still outstanding…warrant for arrest**

On November 7th 2012, at approximately 12:09 AM the San Luis Obispo Police Department received a call regarding a man screaming in the area of Santa Rosa Park. Officers responded to Santa Rosa Park and located a male victim who had been shot in the back with what appeared to be a small caliber bullet. Doctors were unable to remove the bullet, due to the fact it was lodged between two vertebras, close to the spinal cord. At this time, the victim continues to suffer from partial paralysis in his right leg.

The San Luis Obispo Police Department began an investigation into the incident. During the investigation it was discovered that the suspects met in San Luis Obispo and developed a conspiracy to steal money from the victim, who was attempting to purchase a large quantity of marijuana. When the suspects confronted the victim, he ran away. One of the suspects shot him in the back as he fled.

Five other suspects in the case have been arrested and are being charged with various crimes. On December 6, 2012, the San Luis Obispo Police Detectives responded to Fresno County with search and arrest warrants for suspects Benjamin Ma and Mitchell Soundara. They were not apprehended and have been outstanding, with warrants issued for their arrest.

UPDATED INFORMATION:

On 4/19/13, Fresno law enforcement officers arrested S/Benjamin Adam Ma, who was found sitting outside a liquor store. He has since been transported to the San Luis Obispo County Jail, where he is being held on $500,000 bail. A prior press release, bearing Ma’s photo (shown below, left), was located on Ma’s cell phone.

Mitchell Soundara is still outstanding and his whereabouts are unknown. The investigation is still ongoing. Anyone with information regarding Soundara or this crime is urged to call the San Luis Obispo Police Department at (805)781-7317 or Crime Stopper at (805)549-STOP.


Photo of Ma, released in December, 2012 Photo of Ma, taken at booking on 4/24/13
Press Release/Wanted Notice


Benjamin Adam Ma

Arrested and being charged with:
PC 664/187/Attempt Murder
PC 211/Robbery
PC 245(A)(2)/Assault with Deadly Weapon, Firearm
HS 11360(A)/Sales of Marijuana
Multiple firearms possession/use enhancements


**STILL OUTSTANDING**
Mitchell B. Soundara

Arrest Warrant for:
PC 245(A)(2)/Assault with Deadly Weapon/Firearm
PC 211/Robbery
HS 11360(A)/Sales of Marijuana
Multiple firearms possession/use enhancements