The Stockton Police Department has provided an update on an officer-involved shooting that occurred around 9 p.m. on April 12, 2024. Around that time, officers responded to a business in the 5700 block of Pacific Avenue in reference to an armed robbery. SPD says officers learned that the suspect was wearing a ski mask when he entered the business, produced a gun, and demanded money.
The suspect fled the business with the money before police arrived. Officers arrived and began canvassing the area. A short time later, dispatch received reports of a prowler attempting to hide under vehicles and possibly get into the residences in the 400 block of South Swain Road.
Using a drone and helicopter, officers eventually located the suspect hiding in a backyard in the 400 block of West Longview Avenue. SPD says officers ordered the suspect out of the backyard using vehicles and the helicopter’s PA systems. K9 announcements were also made to no avail. Officers requested medical staff and formed an arrest team that made its way into the backyard.
When officers made contact with the suspect, he reportedly told them he had a gun. SPD says the suspect extended his hands in front of him toward the officers and ran at them. One officer used a less-than-lethal shotgun to try to subdue the suspect. Then, another officer used a firearm. The suspect was hit at least once and fell to the ground.
The suspect was transported to an area hospital where he remains in critical condition. SPD confirms officers had their body-worn cameras activated. That footage is expected to be provided within the 45-day statutory required time frame, according to SPD. The suspect has been identified as 28-year-old Javion Holmes. SPD says a Glock-style replica handgun was recovered during the search of the scene.
The officer involved has been identified as Ruben Meza who was hired in July 2021.
Jay Skelton is an independent crime journalist with a passion for covering the uncovered and the under covered.