Man shot and killed in Hesperia identified, 2nd suspect sought

HESPERIA, Calif. (VVNG.com) — A man shot and killed in Hesperia Saturday evening was identified by police as Joseph Sandoval, 29, a resident of Hesperia.

Sandoval was shot multiple times near his home at the intersection of Third Street and Yucca Avenue at about 5:47 pm on January 25, 2020. He was transported to Desert Valley Hospital where he was pronounced deceased.

Detectives said they’ve arrested one suspect and are continuing to search for a second.

According to a sheriff’s news release, a patrol unit was in the area as the shooting took place and attempted a traffic stop on a vehicle fleeing the area.

The driver failed to stop, and a short pursuit ensued before the driver lost control and crashed into the backyard of a home in the 11000 block of Santa Fe Avenue.

Following the pursuit and crash, 27-year-old Gabriel Montufar, of Hesperia, was taken into custody and another unidentified subject fled on foot. 

Deputies along with the assistance of a sheriff’s K9 and aviation helicopter were unable to locate the second unidentified suspect.

The suspect, Gabriel Montufar, was arrested in the 15800 block of Smoke Treet Street and booked at High Desert Detention Center after an interview with detectives.

According to jail records, he is charged with PC187(A) Murder and is being held without bail. He is scheduled for a hearing in a Victorville courtroom on January 28, 2020.

Sheriff’s officials haven’t released a motive for the shooting. However, a friend of the victim told VVNG the victim was involved in an altercation with several Hispanic suspects in the street after they asked him what gang he was from. The suspects left the location and returned several minutes later to shoot the victim multiple times.

Detectives are asking anyone in the area who witnessed the fight and/or shooting, or anyone with home security cameras that captured the incident, to contact Detective Josh Guerrdy, Specialized Investigations Division – Homicide Detail at (909)387-3589.

Callers can remain anonymous and contact WeTip at 800-78CRIME or www.wetip.com. 

Related Article: Man dies after being shot near his home in Hesperia