Police seeking public's help in finding drive-by suspect
Martinez-Carranza
MATTAWA — Law enforcement is asking for the public’s help in the search for a 22-year-old male wanted in connection with a May 29 drive-by shooting in Desert Aire that is believed to be gang-related, according to police.
Antonio Martinez-Carranza is a 22-year-old Hispanic male, 5 feet 7 inches tall and weighing 220 pounds with a heavy build, according to police. He was last seen wearing a green short and gray sweatpants, and walking in the 200 block of East Fourth Street in Mattawa. Police believe he may still be armed.
Martinez-Carranza, who is believed by local law enforcement to be connected to the Norteños gang, is wanted in connection with a drive-by shooting May 29 along Frontier Way in Desert Aire. Police believe members of the Sureños, a rival gang, were the target of the shooting.
A 17-year-old male was arrested on June 6 for his involvement in the May 29 shooting. Surveillance video reportedly shows a black Chevrolet Silverado pickup as the likely suspect vehicle.
On May 31 at the 200 block of East Fourth Street in Mattawa, an occupant in a black Mazda 3 allegedly fired three shots at an unoccupied black Chevrolet Silverado, believed to be the vehicle used by Martinez-Carranza and the juvenile driver in the May 29 shooting. There were no reported injuries.
Moses A. Prieto, 18, of Mattawa, was arrested on June 6 for his alleged involvement in this shooting, though police believe at least one other individual was involved.
Mattawa Police Chief Joe Harris and Sheriff Tom Jones credit citizens of Mattawa and Desert Aire for their help with these two cases.
“Without your help, we would not have been able to solve this as quickly as we have,” Harris said. “Let’s stand together against criminal street gangs and let them know their criminal activity will not go unanswered. This is our community, and we will work together to keep it the safest one in the state.”
Anyone with information is asked to call 509-762-1160 or send an email to crimetips@grantcountywa. Tipsters can remain anonymous.