Lodi, California – A Lodi man was taken into custody late Tuesday night on suspicion of murder following a fatal shooting incident at the Rivermaid Trading Company. The San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office reported that the shooting occurred at approximately 10 p.m. on Monday on E Pine Street in Lodi.
Upon their arrival at the scene, authorities discovered a male victim with multiple gunshot wounds. The victim, identified as 27-year-old Jorge Bejar of Lodi, tragically succumbed to his injuries on-site. The sheriff’s office disclosed that Bejar was an employee of Rivermaid Trading Company.
Law enforcement officials identified 41-year-old Gabriel Hernandez as the suspect in the shooting. After the Manteca Police Department located the suspect’s vehicle around 11 p.m. on Tuesday, Hernandez attempted to flee when officers tried to stop him. Following a search operation involving the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office helicopter, Hernandez was apprehended.
Hernandez was formally booked on charges of murder and two firearm-related offenses early Wednesday morning. The motive behind the shooting remains under investigation as authorities work to piece together the events leading up to the tragic incident.
The community in Lodi is left reeling from the violence that unfolded at the Rivermaid Trading Company, prompting concerns over safety and security in the area. As the investigation progresses, residents are urged to remain vigilant and report any relevant information to assist law enforcement in their pursuit of justice for Jorge Bejar and his loved ones.
In the wake of this senseless tragedy, the focus now shifts towards ensuring that those responsible are held accountable and that measures are put in place to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. The impact of this event reverberates through the local community, reminding everyone of the importance of coming together in times of crisis to support one another.