MADERA - Early last Thursday evening, Madera Police Officers were dispatched to the 900 block of S. Gateway Dr. regarding an assault with a deadly weapon. Officers contacted a female victim who reported she was driving into the alleyway of her apartment complex with her two young children when gunfire erupted and struck her vehicle.
She fled the area in her vehicle and contacted police. During the investigation, it was discovered the victim’s vehicle was stuck several times by gunfire, nearly impacting a child in the rear seat.
MPD Detectives responded to the scene and immediately began investigating the circumstances that led to this shooting. Witnesses were contacted, and video surveillance was collected from the area, which provided details of the suspect and potential suspect vehicle.
The following day, November 15, 2024, Detectives observed the suspect vehicle in a nearby area where the shooting occurred. Two subjects were contacted inside and identified as 19-year-old Eduardo Ochoa Villegas and 39-year-old Oliver Vasquez Hernandez, both residents of Madera. During a search of the vehicle, a firearm was located, which is believed to be associated with the shooting that took place on November 14, 2024. A search warrant was then served at the home of Eduardo Ochoa Villegas, allowing for several pieces of evidence to be collected.
Based on the evidence collected and an interview with Eduardo Ochoa Villegas, he was arrested and booked at the Madera County Jail on attempted homicide, several weapons, and drug-related charges. Oliver Vasquez Hernandez was also arrested and booked at the Madera County Jail on weapons-related charges.
The Madera Police Department is proud of the officers and investigators who worked tirelessly but swiftly to resolve this violent crime. The rapid resolution of this incident is hoped to foster peace in the community and for the victims directly affected.
This case continues to be under investigation. If anyone has any information regarding it, please call us at 559-675-4220 or Crime Stoppers at 498-STOP. As in all cases, callers can remain anonymous.
