Man police say shot at officers during pursuit also identified as homicide suspect

Victim was gunned down June 8 at the intersection of Martin and Railroad streets

GILROY >> A man who was arrested last week on suspicion of shooting at officers during a high-speed chase also has been identified as a suspect in a Gilroy homicide, police said.

The Gilroy Police Department on Tuesday also identified the victim as 48-yearold Anthony Villalobos. Officers

found Villalobos suffering from at least one gunshot wound shortly after midnight June 8 at Martin and Railroad streets.

He was taken to an area trauma center, where he later was pronounced dead.

About 9 p.m. June 9, officers tried to stop 36-yearold Joshua Muñoz at Luchessa Avenue and Monterey Road. Police said Muñoz had warrants for outstanding felony and misdemeanor charges, including possession of a firearm, resisting arrest, child endangerment, brandishing a weapon, burglary and violating probation.

Muñoz was also a potential suspect in the homicide, police said.

Police said Muñoz led officers in a pursuit on southbound Highway 101 and fired a pistol once in their direction. No injuries were reported, and the chase ended when he crashed in Salinas.

A handgun and a rifle were recovered at the scene, police said.

Muñoz was booked into Santa Clara County jail on charges including attempted murder of a police officer, felony evasion, a felon in possession of a firearm, resisting arrest and the warrants.

The Police Department’s investigations unit and anti-crime team went on to identify Muñoz as a suspect in the homicide, police said. The Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office on Tuesday confirmed homicide charges would be filed against him.

Police are asking anyone with information related to the case to contact detectives at 408-846-0335 and refer to case No. 21-2353, or call the anonymous tip line at 408-846-0330.