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Keyes man arrested in gas station shooting
police tape

A Keyes man was apprehended at gunpoint Thursday on allegations he gunned down a man at a Turlock gas station earlier that same day.

An adult man sustained a single, non-life-threatening gunshot wound to his lower body. He was rushed by ambulance to an area hospital for treatment.

The suspect was identified by the Turlock Police Department as Aaron Martinez, 39, of Keyes.

Investigators believe the shooting was an isolated incident between the two men, who are known to each other.

The shooting was reported to the police department at 4:48 p.m. Thursday and occurred at a gas station in the 100 block of N. Tully Road.

A vehicle was seen fleeing the shooting and witnesses tok down the license plate number and give it to the police, said Turlock Police Capt. Steve Rodrigues.

Through the license plate number, investigators identified Martinez as the likely suspect and locate his residence in Keyes.

Turlock Police Department officers, investigators with the Special Investigations Unit and deputies with the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department, went to the area of Martinez’ residence in an attempt to locate him. Martinez was spotted walking in the area of the 5000 block of Nunes Road, but before law enforcement could apprehend him, he got into a vehicle that had stopped to pick him up.

Officers followed the vehicle and attempted to stop it; however, the unknown driver did not immediately stop, Rodrigues said.

The vehicle eventually did come to a stop, allowing Martinez to jump out, before speeding away. Officers and deputies searched for this vehicle in the area and were not able to locate it.

Martinez was taken into custody and booked into the Stanislaus County Jail on suspicion of attempt homicide, felon in possession of a firearm, committing a felony while out on bail, committing a felony while using a firearm, and other various gun related charges. Martinez remains in custody in lieu of a $1.7 million bail.

“The safety of our community is our top concern,” Rodrigues said. “We want to thank all of our law enforcement partners who assisted in the apprehension of this violent individual.”

Turlock Police asks that anyone with information call Officer Robert Villapudua (209) 668-6555 or the Turlock Police Department’s Tip Line at (209) 668-5550 extension 6780 or email at tpdtipline@turlock.ca.us.