1 arrested in deadly midtown shooting along street with popular nightlife
A man has been arrested following a deadly shooting early Sunday morning on a row of popular restaurants and bars in Sacramento, authorities said. Detectives believe at least two people fired guns during a fight.
On Monday morning, police announced that a shooting suspect, identified as 23-year-old Michael Escobar, was located in West Sacramento and taken into custody with the assistance of the Yolo County regional SWAT team.
Escobar was booked into the Sacramento County Main Jail on charges of assault with a firearm and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.
The shooting happened just before 1 a.m. near the intersection of 28th and J streets, the Sacramento Police Department said in a release.
Officers found a man with gunshot wounds near the intersection and immediately started life-saving efforts. He died near James Marshall Park, which is near the intersection, according to authorities.
The Sacramento County Coroner's Office identified that man as 34-year-old Alfonso Martinez Jr.
Detectives have learned that a disagreement started at Barwest Midtown. Authorities told KCRA 3 that the person who was later shot first went to a car to get a gun and then began shooting at the suspect.
"We understand the worry, downtown is a generally safe area," said Sgt. Zach Eaton, spokesperson for the Sacramento Police Department. "We have had a couple of instances this year where we've had some bad shootings and some tragic shootings in our downtown. However, if you take a step back and look at the overall of what's been going on downtown it's generally a safe area to be in we have a lot of resources down there."
Detectives found two separate caliber casings at the scene, authorities told KCRA 3.
Community reacts to shooting
Many in midtown on Sunday afternoon hope the violent crime doesn't taint the area.
"It's getting out of hand I hope the city, you know gets a hold of it, you know it's bad for business it's bad for the people who live in downtown," said Anthony Tafoia, who told KCRA 3 he's worried about his little sister who lives down the block. "It's scary to just think that if she's here and that happened I would literally freak out."
The usually busy brunch spot was shuttered close after the shooting.
"We certainly understand the concern of community members who go downtown and do not feel safe, and we're doing everything in our power to make sure that they feel safe when they go downtown and enjoy the incredible entertainment district we have in our city," Eaton said.
The Sacramento Police Department encourages any witnesses with information regarding this investigation to contact the dispatch center at 916-808-5471 or Sacramento Valley Crime Stoppers at 916-443-HELP (4357). Callers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward up to $1,000. Anonymous tips can also be submitted using the free “P3 Tips” smartphone app.
One other deadly shooting has happened in the immediate area of where this shooting happened Sunday morning, according to data compiled by KCRA 3. That shooting happened back in January.
This is a developing story, stay with KCRA 3 for the latest.