A 26-year-old man was hospitalized Tuesday after a shooting in Stockton’s Valley Oak district, and police say a quick car chase and brief foot run ended with a suspect under arrest.
What police say
According to a post by the Stockton Police Department, officers responded on Feb. 16 to a report of a shooting at 8000 North El Dorado Street in the Valley Oak District. The department said the victim, a 26-year-old man, was taken to a local hospital with a non-life-threatening gunshot wound.
Police said the suspect took off in a vehicle and refused to stop, triggering a pursuit that ended when the car became disabled. According to the department, the driver then tried to get away on foot but was quickly detained. The suspect was identified as 37-year-old James Lazareta and booked on suspicion of attempted murder, evading, and outstanding warrants.
Where it happened
The stretch of North El Dorado Street has seen serious incidents in recent years, which have included a deadly shooting near Anderson Park last February and have stirred ongoing safety concerns in parts of north Stockton, as KCRA has reported. Neighbors and local leaders have pushed for increased patrols and violence‑prevention work along the corridor following prior shootings.
Arrest and legal outlook
The department’s post lists attempted murder among the charges against Lazareta. Under California law, attempted murder is a felony that can carry lengthy prison terms and, depending on circumstances such as firearm use, additional enhancements, according to the Shouse Law Group. The investigation remains active, and prosecutors are expected to review the evidence as detectives continue to follow leads.
Police asked that anyone with information or video related to the case contact the department’s non-emergency line at (209) 937-8377, which Visit Stockton lists for the Stockton Police Department.
Stockton police published the Watch Commander’s report to social media on Feb. 17, 2026. Investigators did not immediately release further details about a possible motive. Officials say they will provide updates as the probe continues and urged anyone with tips to reach out to authorities.
