Four people, including a juvenile, have been arrested in connection with a drive-by shooting that left a man with a gunshot wound to the face Saturday night.
According to the Chowchilla Police Department, officers were called to the 400 block of South 1st Street on October 25, 2025, after receiving reports of gunfire. While officers were responding, family members drove the injured victim to the area near the police department, where he received emergency medical care before being taken to a hospital.
Witnesses at the scene provided descriptions that helped officers identify a possible suspect vehicle. Using the department’s License Plate Reading camera system, investigators quickly located the car and alerted nearby agencies. Within minutes, the Madera County Sheriff’s Office stopped the vehicle in Fairmead, detaining four suspects.
During a search, officers found several firearms, including the weapon believed to have been used in the shooting, along with illegal drugs, firearm parts, and ammunition.
Police identified the suspects as 27-year-old Edgar Ventura, a parolee from Merced County; 18-year-old Christian Estrada of Merced; 20-year-old Alexis Palacios of Fairmead; and a juvenile. All four were booked on charges of attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder, possession of narcotics, and gang enhancement.
Authorities said the shooting appears to be gang-related, but there is no ongoing threat to the community.
The Chowchilla Police Department thanked residents for supporting local safety initiatives and also credited the Madera County Sheriff’s Office and California Highway Patrol for their assistance.
Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to contact the Chowchilla Police Department at (559) 665-8600 and ask for Sergeant Cobb. Callers can remain anonymous.