A tense altercation in Gilroy last weekend escalated into a shootout that miraculously left no one injured, including several small children caught in the crossfire, authorities said Tuesday. The gunfire broke out on the 9000 block of Kern Avenue around 10 p.m. Saturday after a fistfight between two men took a dangerous turn. Gilroy Police Department officials stated that 27-year-old Joel Eduardo Valencia of Hollister drew a firearm during the scuffle and fired multiple shots at the other man. Valencia then fled the scene in a black vehicle before officers arrived, the department said in a statement.
Later that night, a patrol officer spotted Valencia's vehicle near Mantelli Drive and Fuchsia Court, initiating a traffic stop that Valencia refused to acknowledge, leading to a chase. Due to the potential risk to the public, cops quickly called off the pursuit. Valencia eventually crashed into a parked car and fire hydrant on First Street, after which he was taken into custody without further incident, police confirmed. A loaded 9mm handgun was discovered inside Valencia's car, for which he was booked into Santa Clara County Jail on charges related to the shooting incident and illegal possession of a firearm.
The Gilroy Police Department urges anyone with information or video footage of the incident to come forward. Detective Jason Greathead can be reached directly at (408) 846-0373 for those willing to provide details. Anonymous tips are also being welcomed, and individuals can dial the tip line at (408) 846-0330 to share information without revealing their identity. Media inquiries about the shooting should be directed to (408) 846-0347.
