Suspected Fontana taggers who shot man arrested
By Lori Consalvo, Staff Writer
FONTANA -- Two young men who police say shot a 41-year-old father in the neck and back Tuesday after a confrontation over graffiti were arrested on suspicion of attempted murder this morning.
"Gang members are brazen and once they pick up their guns, they become more brave," said police Sgt. Jeff Decker.
Angel Valencia, 19, and Andrew Valdivia, 18, both of Fontana, were booked into West Valley Detention Center in Rancho Cucamonga on suspicion of attempted murder.
Search warrants for the two men were served between 2 and 4 a.m. today before they were taken into custody at their residences.
Police believe Valencia and Valdivia approached the victim's 18-year-old son around 9:30 p.m. Tuesday and told him they were members of a local gang, then walked down the street to spray graffiti on a wall, police said.
The son went to his Southridge neighborhood home and told his father about the incident. The two grabbed baseball bats and went to confront the pair of taggers as they vandalized the wall.
The taggers fled, and the father and son returned home, where the taggers confronted them again.
One of the taggers took out a handgun as the father and son tried to get in to their house, police said.
The gunman fired several shots, striking the father once in the neck and once in the back.
"There were quite a few rounds, about a dozen," Decker said. "These people were playing for keeps."
Valencia and Valdivia are members of a gang well-known to the department, police said.
"I know their names. I know we've had numerous incidents over a number of years," Decker said.
He would not elaborate on the type of encounters he has had with the two before, but he did say they have "been involved with real gang activity: guns, drugs and other stupid actions."
He would not release the name of the gang.
Police are also not releasing the name of the victim because of the gang situation, Decker said.
Paramedics took the victim to a hospital, where the bullets were removed. He was reported in stable condition and still at the hospital.
Decker said he does not advise anyone to confront taggers or vandals.
"We in law enforcement have known for many years that taggers carry weapons," he said. "(When) we contact the folks, we have a heightened awareness of what is possible. We come with our own guns and bulletproof vests and radio communication."
If someone sees an act of vandalism, they should immediately call police, Decker said.
Fontana residents are asked to call (909) 350-GONE to notify the city of graffiti. If they see someone in the act of "tagging," call police dispatch at (909) 350-7700.
"A lot of people are getting to the point where they are just mad, and I don't blame them," Decker said.
I am proud that Fontana PD caught the hoodlums that committed this crime. Decent citizens are becoming angry over all the graffit that continues to be a blight in all communities. The new 210 freeway and over crossings are a favoite target for these idiots. Kudos to Fontana PD.