Three Arrested for Drive-By Shootings in Menlo Park

By Bay City News Service

Police in Menlo Park have arrested three suspects in connection with a string of recent drive-by shootings in the area.

Around 6:55 p.m. Wednesday, a police officer was on patrol near Market Place and Del Norte Avenue when he spotted a black Toyota Avalon matching the description of a suspect car involved in the recent shootings, police said.

With the aid of other officers, he stopped the suspect vehicle and detained all three occupants - two juveniles and one man.

Police said a search of the car turned up three loaded guns and additional ammunition.

The two juveniles were arrested on suspicion of possession of a concealed firearm, carrying a loaded firearm in public and possession of ammunition by a minor, according to police.

Police said one of the juveniles was also arrested for on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon and shooting into an occupied dwelling for his alleged involvement in a shooting last Saturday in the 1300 block of Willow Road.

Both were taken to Hillcrest Juvenile Detention Center in San Mateo.

Police said the driver of the Toyota Avalon, identified as 21-year-old Erick Barragan of East Palo Alto, was arrested on suspicion of contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

Barragan was turned over to East Palo Alto police, who are investigating his potential involvement in a recent shooting in that city, and was later taken to San Mateo County Jail, police said.

An investigation into these suspects and the recent series of shootings is ongoing. Anyone with information about these cases is asked to call Menlo Park police at (650) 330-6300 or the anonymous tip hotline at (650) 330-6395.

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