Watsonville officer-involved shooting suspect identified

Watsonville police said the suspect was being investigated for robbing the homeless at gunpoint on the same levy where the officer was shot.

According to police, in April, the suspect identified as Alejandro Campos Fernandez, 45, made death threats towards an officer. Officers said that’s what heightened their awareness toward him. Fernandez already had outstanding warrants from April with a lengthy criminal history, and police knew he had guns.

Chief Manny Solano said the suspect, “Fired upon an ambush style resulting in an officer being struck.”

Fernandez was chased on to the Pajaro River levee, and that’s when he pulled out a gun.

“The officer first response was to turn to get out of the way. the officer didn’t even have his firearm drawn at that time,” Sgt. Erik Montalbo said.

Around 3 p.m., Watsonville police received information that Fernandez was armed and dangerous. Fernandez had ties to a local gang and had been on police radar for over a month.

“We also had independent information that he made specific death threats towards a Watsonville police officer,” Lt. Saul Gonzalez said.

With the latest tip about Fernandez, at about 6 p.m. officers set up surveillance near his home. They spotted Fernandez leaving his home headed toward the Pajaro River levee and approached him. Fernandez ran into the brush and then turned around.

“He was kneeling or crouching and he had a shotgun pointed at the officer. Officer yelled he had a gun,” Gonzalez said.

Police said two officers fired back until they didn’t hear Fernandez shooting anymore. Fernandez was found dead in the bushes.

“We did find that he had 2 bags filled with 50 rounds of shot gun ammo in it,” Gonzalez said.

Monday Watsonville police said the officer had been released from the hospital and is stable.

“We will not be releasing the names of our officers that are involved at this time as we believe it would jeopardize their safety and the safety of their families,” Solano said.

NewsChannel 5 spoke with a man who said he grew up with Fernandez. He said he knew he was always getting into trouble and had several warrants but didn’t understand why he chose to shoot at police. The two officers who were involved in the shooting are on paid leave as the investigation continues.