Suspect in fatal Brawley shooting remains at large
BRAWLEY — The prime suspect in a fatal shooting incident that left one dead and one injured Wednesday evening at the Fillco Gas Station here remains at large.
Brawley Police Department was still seeking Eduardo Tolentino, 27, as of press time Thursday. Tolentino was identified Tolentino as BPD’s main suspect for
the shooting incident, and was believed to have fled from the scene Wednesday in a silver and black 2004 Jeep Cherokee.
“We have not made an arrest,” BPD Cmdr. Brett Houser said Thursday. “We are continuing to follow leads.”
Houser assured that the police department will make an announcement once a suspect in connection to the incident is apprehended.
The victim killed in the shooting was identified as 24-year-old Brawley resident Daniel Hernandez Jr., county Sheriff’s Office coroner’s office confirmed.
Hernandez was the victim of a multiple gunshot wounds and was pronounced deceased on scene Wednesday.
The second gunshot victim, who remains unidentified, was reported to be conscious and alert and was transported for treatment to Pioneers Memorial Hospital.
No update was available regarding the second victim’s condition was available as of Thursday.
While the type of firearm used has not been officially confirmed, El Centro Police Department call logs mention the weapon used in the shooting was a handgun.
At about 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Brawley police officers responded to Fillco, 977 Main St., and discovered the deceased victim at the scene.
The second victim had fled the area although was located a short distance from the scene.
Tolentino was believed to have fled the scene after the shooting in a Jeep Cherokee, bearing California license plates 7WUW019.
It had an Imperial Valley College sticker on the back windshield.
Imperial Valley College issued a statement on its Facebook page in response to an unconfirmed report that the alleged shooter was an IVC student.
“It is alleged that an IVC student was involved in a shooting in Brawley. We have confirmed that the alleged student involved is not on campus and that there is no imminent danger to the campus.” the college posted.
“If any potential threat is identified all students, faculty and staff will be notified immediately and provided specific directions. We are working closely with law enforcement since your safety is our priority.” According to county Sheriff’s Office activity logs, the Jeep was last seen heading westbound on Main Street from the scene. After being advised that the subject might be en route to Calexico, Calexico Police Department set up checkpoints throughout the city at about 7:20 p.m. Wednesday. BPD advised the public that Tolentino is considered armed and dangerous and should not be approached.
“If you believe you have seen Tolentino or the silver and black 2004 Jeep Cherokee, contact 9-11 Emergency immediately,” BPD announced Wednesday night. “Anyone with non-emergency information is encouraged to contact Detective Sgt. Rotner at (760) 351-7777.”