Stanislaus County Sheriff’s detectives have arrested a man they believe was responsible in the shooting death of Evan Robinson, 16, in Keyes on May 2.

Detectives identified 19-year-old Ruben Perez of Keyes as the suspect. Detectives believe a physical altercation ultimately resulted in gunfire and Robinson, who was an innocent bystander, was fatally wounded.

Robinson was shot to death near a food truck at near Martha Avenue and 7th Street in Keyes at approximately 8:48 p.m. Witnesses told deputies that several people were eating near taco trucks in the area when a fight broke out. Investigators believe someone else was the target and that Robinson was caught in gunfire. A silver car was seen fleeing the area and was believed to be involved. Robinson had been shot several times and was found lying in the middle of the road. First responders attempted to save his life but he died on scene.

“Our investigators determined Perez was on active probation at the time of his arrest and had been attending a series of occupational preparedness courses at the Stanislaus County Day Reporting Center on E. Hackett Road in Modesto,” said Sheriff’s Department spokesman Sgt. Luke Schwartz. “Perez was previously convicted as a juvenile for assault with a firearm.”
The Sheriff’s Department said Perez was confronted by detectives as he arrived for class on Wednesday afternoon and told him he had an outstanding arrest warrant for his involvement in the murder. He was arrested without incident and booked into the Stanislaus County Public Safety Center after questioning.
The investigation into the homicide is ongoing. Detective Hickman may be contacted directly at the Sheriff’s Department should members of the community have any additional witness information they want to share.  He can be reached at 525-7042.