Nampa police arrest six gang members in connection to 2022 murder

The Nampa Police Department has arrested six local gang members on several charges as the result of a September 2022 murder of 23-year-old Caldwell resident Joe “Joey” Flores.

According to a news release from the NPD, Flores was an innocent bystander caught in the crossfire during a shooting incident derived from a gang dispute in a restaurant parking lot in the 2100 block of North Cassia Street in Nampa.

Nampa police said as a result of the nearly two-year investigation, the following individuals are currently in custody and have been charged:

Brian G. Moreno, 23 years old, Nampa

First-degree murder with gang enhancement; Rioting with gang enhancement

Pedro A. Navarro Jr., 21 years old, Caldwell

Aid and abet first-degree murder with gang enhancement; Rioting with gang enhancement

Lazaro C. Vela, 18 years old, Nampa

Attempted first-degree murder with gang enhancement; Rioting with gang enhancement

Gabriel Bernal, 24 years old, Nampa

Accessory to a felony; Rioting with gang enhancement

Emanuel Bautista Roblero, 21 years old, Nampa

Accessory to a felony; Rioting with gang enhancement

Emmanuel D. Saiz, 19 years old, Nampa

Rioting with gang enhancement

The news release stated that ​​since Flores’ murder, detectives have conducted countless interviews and, along with the Nampa Police Department Crime Lab, examined and processed numerous pieces of evidence.

Nampa Police Chief Joe Huff said the investigation has been ongoing in earnest and hard work behind the scenes has paid off.

“Some have criticized Nampa PD during this investigation, but the steadfast work of the detectives has produced some great results. In the end, every unit of the Nampa Police Department played a role in putting these gang members behind bars,” Huff said in the news release. “I’m proud of the dedication and teamwork of my co-workers.”

Huff also thanked fellow law enforcement agencies the Canyon County Sheriff’s Office, Caldwell Police Department, Idaho Department of Correction and Canyon County Prosecutor’s Office for their assistance in the case.