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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010_09_13_Potomac OIS Follow up BAKERSFIELD POLICE DEPARTMENT PRESS RELEASE Greg Williamson, Chief of Police ________________________________________________________________________ Contact: Sergeant Mary DeGeare Public Information Officer 661-326-3803 mdegeare@Bakersfieldpd.us FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 13, 2010 On 9/12/10, during the continuing investigation into the officer involved shooting on 9/11/10 at 1808 Potomac Street; investigators located additional witnesses at the scene who reportedly witnessed the incident. From these witnesses, investigators learned that the 17 year old male, currently in custody for the offense, was not responsible for shooting at Officer Gregory. Further investigation determined that the 17 year old and Rene Martinez 21 were walking southbound in the east alley 900 Washington Street toward 1808 Potomac Street when the officers drove northbound in the alley from Potomac Street to make contact with them. Both suspects immediately ran from the officers into the yard and Officer Gregory gave chase. According to Officer Gregory, and other witnesses, as the two suspects rounded the northeast corner of the residence Officer Gregory lost sight of them. As Officer Gregory rounded the corner, Martinez had already stopped and raised a 9 mm handgun and fired at Officer Gregory from a close distance. Officer Gregory saw and felt the muzzle flash on the left side of his face and thought he had been shot. Officer Gregory grabbed his face, drew his weapon and moved a few feet to a nearby out building for cover as he visually re-tracked his assailant. Officer Gregory saw whom he thought was the suspect who shot at him run inside a rear door on the east side of the house. Officer Gregory ran to that door and saw that suspect running into the interior of the house through the attached laundry room. Believing this was the suspect who just tried to kill him, and cognizant of the fact that a presumed armed gunman was running into an unsecured house, Officer Gregory fired four times at the suspect who disappeared into the house. As previously reported that suspect was determined to be the 17 year old juvenile who exited the house later during a surrender call out by police surrounding the house and who was found to have a gunshot wound to the leg. The 17 year old made no mention to the police that he had been shot in the leg nor did he offer any information regarding the actual shooter, Rene Martinez Jr. Rene Martinez Jr. was located and arrested on 9/12/10; at about 11:00 p.m. Martinez Jr. was arrested for attempted murder on a police officer, participation in a criminal street gang and weapons violations. Robert Salazar 21, who was originally thought to have been the suspect who ran from the officers along with the 17 year old, was released from custody. Martinez Jr. and Salazar are uniquely similar in appearance and were wearing the same clothing the night of the incident, including an identical memorial t-shirt. The 17 year old was treated and released the same morning for a through and through gunshot wound to the right leg. He remains in juvenile custody for attempted murder on a police officer and participation in a criminal street gang. Officer Gregory was treated for first degree burns on his face and remains on routine administrative leave. Officer Gregory is a five year veteran of the Bakersfield Police Department. Original Release September 12, 2010 On 9/11/10, at about 9:08 p.m., partnered Bakersfield Police Department Special Enforcement Unit Officers Matthew Gregory and Dennis Eddy attempted to contact two Hispanic males in the 1800 block of Potomac Avenue who were associated with a gathering at 1808 Potomac Avenue. Both suspects ran from the officers, northbound in the east alley 900 block of Washington Street and into the yard at 1808 Potomac Avenue, at which point one, of the two suspects turned and fired at the officers. Officer Gregory fired back multiple times and both suspects were seen running into the residence at 1808 Potomac Avenue. The residence was contained and additional officers responded to assist. Officers on scene ordered the occupants inside the residence to exit and surrender numerous times. Over a period of time multiple occupants exited the residence sporadically and in small groups, each group indicating there was no one else inside. These individuals were transported to the police station where one of them, a 17 year old male, was found to have been shot in the back of the right leg but had tried to conceal the injury from officers. The 17 year old was identified by the officers as the suspect who ran and shot at them. He was treated for his injuries at Kern Medical Center and placed into Juvenile Hall for attempted murder on a police officer and participation in a criminal street gang. Neither officer was injured. The SWAT Team responded and conducted a tactical search of the residence and no one was left inside. The suspect who ran with the 17 year old is believed to be among the group who exited the residence. The investigation is continuing. Officer Gregory has been placed on routine administrative leave.