Lemoore police arrest two suspects on charges of attempted murder, robbery, gangs

Officers eventually arrested a pair of suspects on charges of attempted murder, robbery, conspiracy and gang enhancement.

Suspect Jose Loya

Approximately two hours later, while officers were still looking for a victim, witnesses, and evidence, a Hanford resident called to report to police that someone attempted to rob his son in Lemoore and shot his son’s car in the process.

During their investigation, officers were told that four people – in an SUV –  drove to Lemoore to sell drugs. While on Powell Avenue, two subjects approached the SUV, one on the driver’s side and another on the passenger’s side. The subject on the driver’s side pointed a gun at the driver. The subject on the passenger’s side tried to open the right rear door but it was locked.

He then opened the right front door and pointed a gun at the right-front passenger and demanded he give him everything he had. The driver started the car and drive northbound on Powell Avenue. As he was driving away, shots were fired at the SUV. Officers later determined that at least one bullet pierced a rear window, traveled through the middle seat, and then lodged in the center console. The right rear passenger reported that the bullet grazed his leg but he did not require medical attention.

During their investigation, Lemoore officers identified the two suspects as Lemoore residents John Campos and Jose Loya, both 19 years old. At 1:20 a.m. on Wednesday (Feb 23), Lemoore officers arrested Campos during a traffic stop on South 19th Avenue. Lemoore officers arrested Loya at his residence at about 8 a.m. Campos and Loya were booked into the Kings County Jail on four counts of attempted murder, attempted robbery, conspiracy, and a gang enhancement. Their bail was set at $4,180,000.00.

This investigation is ongoing and anyone with information about the incident is asked to call the Lemoore Police Department at (559) 924-9574.