27-year-old Hollister man arrested after trying to shoot at a victim during an altercation, police say

GILROY, Calif. (KION-TV)- Gilroy Police arrested a 27-year-old Hollister man who allegedly tried and shoot at a victim during an altercation on Saturday night.

Investigators said the shooting took place on the 9000 block of Kern Avenue. When officers got to the scene, they located a victim who was not injured by the gunfire.

Officers said that the suspect who is identified as Joel Eduardo Valencia was involved in a physical altercation with the victim.

During the altercation, Valencia allegedly took out a loaded 9 mm handgun and discharged multiple rounds in the direction of the victim with several small children nearby according to officers.

Valenica left in a black vehicle and was located by a Gilroy Police Officer in the area of Mantelli Drive and Fuchsia Court.

An officer tried to initiate a traffic stop but Valencia refused which began a vehicle pursuit. The pursuit was terminated by Gilroy Police but Valencia crashed his car into a parked vehicle and a fire hydrant on First Street.

Investigators said that they were able to find the handgun inside of his vehicle. Valencia was arrested and booked into the Santa Clara County Jail on multiple charges related to the shooting and illegal firearm possession.

If you have any information or video related to the shooting, you can call Detective Jason Greathead at (408) 846-0373.