FRESNO - On Wednesday, October 4, 2017, Detectives from the Career Criminal Auto Theft Team (CCATT) were patrolling the area of Echo and Roosevelt when they noticed a white GMC pickup driving in the area. The GMC was a reported stolen vehicle out of Northeast Fresno. Detectives began to follow.
With the assistance of the Fresno Police Department’s helicopter air crew, detectives continued to follow the stolen GMC to the area of Michigan and Millbrook where the driver was observed to throw what was believe to be a handgun into a nearby canal. Detectives continued to follow the GMC to an apartment complex in the area of Fresno and Clinton where the driver was detained when he attempted to walk away from the vehicle.
The driver was identified as Eastside Fresno (ESF) Bulldog gang member Joseph Gonzalez, 21, of Fresno. The handgun was retrieved from the canal and was found to be a loaded .38 caliber Colt revolver. Gonzalez was found to be a prior convicted felon and is prohibited from possession firearms/ammunition. He was also found to be on active CDC parole from a prior weapons possession conviction.
Gonzalez was booked into the Fresno County Jail for felony auto theft, firearm/ammunition possession and parole violation charges.
If anyone has information regarding auto theft in the Fresno area, please call the CCATT tip line at 621-CCAT (2228), email CCATT at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or call Crime Stoppers at 498-STOP (7867). Your information will remain anonymous.
