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Ceres suspect in Turlock shooting arrested
Booked for attempted murder case of March 8
Thomas MCABEE.JPG
Thomas McAbee, 21, of Ceres

The 21-year-old Ceres man wanted in connection to a suspected gang shooting in Turlock was apprehended Tuesday during a traffic stop.

The Turlock Police Department had an arrest warrant issued for Thomas McAbee, 21, of Ceres on charges of attempted murder, participation in a criminal street gang and the use of a firearm during the commission of a felony. The charges stem from a shooting that happened around 7:30 p.m. March 8 in the 1400 block of S. First Street in Turlock.

The male victim and a female friend drove to the location to meet someone and while there, McAbee and Luis Martinez, 21, of Turlock arrived at the scene, Turlock police said. An argument allegedly ensued between the two parties and McAbee and Martinez challenged the male victim to a fight.

The man and woman opted to leave and were pulling out of a parking lot when they were shot at by McAbee and Martinez, according to the department.

“It is believed that both McAbee and Martinez were responsible for firing a gun at the victim as he attempted to leave,” read a Turlock Police Department news release. “The motive for the shooting is believed to be due to the victim’s gang member status.”

Martinez was located and arrested at around 4:30 p.m. March 14 for attempted murder for the shooting. He was booked in the Stanislaus County Public Safety Center with additional allegations of participation in a criminal street gang and the use of a firearm during the commission of a felony.

Shortly after 5 p.m. Tuesday, McAbee was located and taken into custody without incident during a traffic stop conducted by Turlock Police detectives.

Anyone with information regarding the shooting is encouraged to call Detective Paul Inderbitzen at 668-5550 ext. 6751 or the Turlock Police Department’s Tip Line at 668-5550 ext. 6780; or email tpdtipline@turlock.ca.us to remain anonymous.

The Turlock Police Department is an active participant in the Crime Stoppers Program. Callers may leave an anonymous tip by calling Crime Stoppers at 521-4636 and may be eligible for a cash reward.