Stanislaus County Sheriff’s detectives have arrested two men they believe were responsible for the shooting death of Evan Robinson, 16, in Keyes on May 2.
Detectives identified 19-year-old Ruben Perez of Keyes and Anthony Joseph Pando, 22, of Ceres as suspects in the violent death of Robinson. Detectives believe a physical altercation ultimately resulted in gunfire and Robinson, who was an innocent bystander, was fatally wounded in the crossfire.
Robinson was shot to death near the food truck near Martha Avenue and 7th Street in Keyes at approximately 8:48 p.m. on Saturday, May 2. 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. 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 believed to be involved.
Pando was located in Medford, Oregon and taken into custody at 2:55 p.m. Thursday during a traffic stop, Schwartz said. He will be extradited back to California and booked into the Stanislaus County Public Safety Center.
“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 may be reached at 525-7042.
