LODI, Calif. — Authorities arrested a Lodi man on suspicion of murder following a fatal shooting at Rivermaid Trading Company. The San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office reported the incident took place around 10 p.m. on Monday on E Pine Street in Lodi.
Deputies arrived at the scene to find a 27-year-old man, Jorge Bejar, with multiple gunshot wounds. Unfortunately, Bejar, an employee of Rivermaid, succumbed to his injuries. The motive behind the shooting remains under investigation.
The sheriff’s office identified 41-year-old Gabriel Hernandez as the suspect in the case. Following a search by law enforcement, Hernandez was apprehended and taken into custody on Wednesday morning.
Authorities from the Manteca Police Department were instrumental in locating Hernandez, who attempted to evade capture by fleeing from officers. The assistance of the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office helicopter ultimately led to his arrest.
Hernandez now faces charges of murder and two firearm-related offenses in connection with the shooting at Rivermaid Trading Company. The tragic incident has shaken the community of Lodi and left many grappling with the loss of Jorge Bejar.