Full Notification

MEDIA RELEASE / COMMUNITY ALERT
CITY of SAN MATEO POLICE DEPARTMENT
200 Franklin Parkway, San Mateo, CA 94403
www.cityofsanmateo.org

UPDATE:
Following further investigation, SMPD Detectives have uncovered evidence that the victim in the shooting that occurred on August 24th at 3:30 a.m. was complicit to the initial confrontation that transpired in the moments prior to the shooting. SMPD Detectives have also confirmed that the arrestee, Enoc Carlos Gonzalez, was in fact involved in that altercation and likely armed with the handgun. The investigation will continue in this case, including forensic testing of evidence found at the scene.

A recent discovery of evidence by SMPD has also revealed the likelihood that the incident is gang related involving two rival criminal street gangs. Crimes of violence such as this one, and especially those involving criminal street gangs, are of high priority to our department with the safety of our community being our first concern and will not be tolerated in the City of San Mateo. In incidents such as this which now appears to involve multiple violent criminal street gang members, this investigation will continue with the intent of seeking successful prosecution of all culpable parties. This investigation will remain a top priority for our both Detectives and the SMPD Crime Reduction Unit whose personnel are charged with the street level investigation and enforcement of street gangs. SMPD anticipates the identification of additional suspects in this case and we will keep the public and media informed as the case progresses.

SMPD still seeks any and all information from the community regarding this incident.
Anyone with additional information is urged to contact SMPD:

SMPD Investigations General Number: 650-522-7650
SMPD Secret Witness Line: 650-522-7676

This is all the information we are able to provide at this time based on the sensitive nature of this ongoing investigation. Please make further media inquiries in this matter to Sergeant Rick Decker, (650)522-7626 or by email at [email protected].

Below is a transcript of the original media release for this incident:

On Sunday morning, August 24th, at about 3:30 am, SMPD officers responded to a report of shots fired in the unit block of South Grant Street. Upon arrival officers discovered a 22 year old male San Mateo resident at the scene suffering from life threatening gunshot wounds to the upper body. The victim was immediately transported to the nearest trauma center where he remains in critical but stable condition.

Officers initially determined that the suspect may be in the immediate area. A perimeter was set and officers thoroughly searched through backyards in the surrounding neighborhood. The suspect was not immediately located and a telephonic notification was made to the to keep the community informed. SMPD Detectives were then called to the scene and assumed responsibility for the investigation. Later in the day, through diligent investigative efforts SMPD Detectives identified a potential suspect and received information that he was hiding inside a residence in the City of San Mateo.

Based on the nature of the crime itself which included use of a semiautomatic handgun and the suspect’s brazen disregard for human life, the North County Regional SWAT Team was activated with the intention of quickly and safely taking the suspect into custody in a manner that would preserve the public safety while minimizing any risk to the suspect himself and the arresting officers.

At approximately 2:15 pm, the North County Regional SWAT Team served a search warrant in the Unit Block of North Claremont Street. The suspect was quickly taken into custody without incident. The residence and surrounding neighborhood were made safe by SWAT and SMPD again made a telephonic notification to alert the community that the operation was complete. The suspect, Enoc Carlos Gonzalez (18) of East Palo Alto, was later booked into San Mateo County Jail.

By all accounts, this appears to have been an isolated incident whereby the victim was specifically targeted by this suspect. From the first initial reports of gunfire via 911 until the suspect’s arrest, every effort was made by SMPD and NCR SWAT to preserve public safety during the arrest of a violent suspect presumed to be armed and dangerous. SMPD wishes to express its gratitude for the cooperation, patience, and the assistance from our community that led to the safe apprehension of this dangerous suspect.

SMPD Detectives are working to determine whether this crime may be gang-related and are actively pursuing this investigation.

The above is all the information available at this time. SMPD will provide an update whenever possible as this is an open and ongoing investigation.

Anyone with additional information is urged to contact SMPD:

SMPD Investigations General Number: 650-522-7650
SMPD Secret Witness Line: 650-522-7676

For further media inquiries, SMPD Media Relations; Sgt. Rick Decker 650-522-7626

MAKE YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD SAFER
Please help us make your neighborhood safer and take a stand against crime. Please report all criminal behavior, join a Neighborhood Watch program, and help anyone who might fall victim to a crime. If a Neighborhood Watch doesn’t exist on your block, you can start one with help from SMPD. For additional information about the City of San Mateo Neighborhood Watch Program, call SMPD Community Services at (650)522-7626 or visit our web www.cityofsanmateo.org

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