San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office

We’re calling on our community for information. If you have any information, video, or witnessed anything related to the mass shooting on November 29, 2025, in the 1900 block of Lucile Avenue in Stockton, please contact the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office. Your tip could make a difference in bringing justice to the victims and their families.

To say we are proud would be an understatement. Please join us in congratulating the graduates of Class 185 of the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office Christopher J. Serpa Correctional Academy! Today, we proudly recognize the hard work, dedication, and professionalism demonstrated by the following Correctional Officer recruits:     • Officer Fuller-May     • Officer McKenna     • Officer Munn     • Officer Reyes     • Officer McCracken*     • Officer Oneto* *Graduates who will serve with Amador County Sheriff’s Office We are honored to count them among the Sheriff’s Office family. Congratulations, Class 185! We cannot wait to see the difference you will make as Correctional Officers.

🚨Gertrude Ave Homicide Update🚨 On December 2, 2025, deputies responded to the 700 block of Gertrude Avenue in Stockton for a report of shots fired and a female down. When deputies arrived, they located an adult male and adult female suffering from gunshot wounds. The female victim, later identified as Obdulia Sanchez, succumbed to her injuries. The scene was secured and the investigation was turned over to the Sheriff’s Office Investigations Division. On March 12, 2026, detectives served search warrants in the 2000 block of East 6th Street and the 700 block of San Miguel Avenue in Stocktonin connection with this homicide investigation. During the operation, Monica Barajas was identified as the suspect in the shooting and was located. Barajas was taken into custody and booked into the San Joaquin County Jail on charges of murder and attempted murder. The San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to seeking justice for victims and ensuring the safety of our community. Detectives will continue to work diligently to hold those responsible for violent crimes accountable.

After years of dedicated service to the people of San Joaquin County, Detective Sterni is retiring from the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office. Throughout his career, he served with professionalism, commitment, and pride. At the same time, his son, Deputy Sterni, has just completed the Field Training Officer (FTO) program and is beginning his career on patrol. It’s a special moment for the Sterni family and for our office…seeing one generation step away from the badge while another carries it forward. We thank Detective Sterni for his years of service and wish Deputy Sterni a long and successful career.

It is with deep sorrow that the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office announces the passing of Sergeant Jason Whelen, who suffered a medical emergency while on duty on Tuesday, February 24th. Despite the immediate response and extensive life-saving efforts by fellow deputies and medical personnel, Sergeant Whelen tragically passed away. Sergeant Whelen began his career with the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office on October 15, 2007. Through his dedication, professionalism, and commitment to service, he was promoted to Sergeant on February 25, 2013. Throughout his career, he served this community with honor, integrity, and compassion. Sergeant Whelen was a proud husband and devoted father of four. He was known within the Sheriff’s Office for his kindness, steady leadership, love of Jesus Christ, and infectious smile. He brought positivity to those around him and was someone who could always be counted on. Our thoughts are with Sergeant Whelen’s family, friends, and colleagues during this incredibly difficult time. The Sheriff’s Office mourns the loss of a respected leader, a valued partner, and a cherished member of our law enforcement family. We ask the community to keep his loved ones and our Sheriff’s Office family in your thoughts.

After 26 years and 2½ months of dedicated service, we proudly congratulate Correctional Officer Patrick Balagey on his retirement. Correctional Officer Balagey began his career in 1999, committing himself to a profession that demands strength, resilience, and heart. Over the years, he has given his blood, sweat, and tears to this Office, serving with integrity, loyalty, and unwavering dedication. His work ethic and devotion have not only protected our community but have also paved the way for the younger officers following in his footsteps. Correctional Officer Balagey shared that he is deeply grateful for the experiences and the support he received from his colleagues throughout his career, and he wishes the Sheriff’s Office continued success in the years ahead. To our friend and Correctional Officer Brother, thank you for your service, your sacrifice, and your commitment. You have left a lasting mark on this Office and on all of us who had the privilege to serve alongside you. We wish you nothing but love, happiness, good health, and a retirement filled with well-deserved adventure. Congratulations, Correctional Officer Balagey! You’ve earned it.

The San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office proudly congratulates Deputy Tricia Anderson on her retirement after 26 years and 4 months of unwavering service to our community! Deputy Anderson began her career in 1999 as a Correctional Officer, dedicating her early years to serving inside the jail before answering the call to patrol our streets as a Deputy Sheriff. Becoming a law enforcement officer was always her life’s goal, but even she could not have imagined the profound impact this career would have on her life and on the countless lives she touched along the way. Over more than two decades of service, Deputy Anderson witnessed and endured what most citizens will thankfully never have to experience. She has held the hands of those whose worlds were shattered, delivered heartbreaking news to families in their darkest moments, stood strong in the face of criticism, and carried the weight of responsibility that comes with wearing the uniform. Through it all, she remained steadfast, resilient, and deeply committed to serving with integrity. In her own words, despite the challenges and sacrifices, she “wouldn’t trade it for anything.” That statement alone speaks volumes about her heart for this profession and the pride she carries in being a Deputy Sheriff. Deputy Anderson worked alongside some of the most dedicated, hardworking, and courageous professionals in law enforcement, individuals she proudly calls her brothers and sisters. The bonds built through shared service, long shifts, difficult calls, and moments of laughter will remain lifelong treasures. Deputy Anderson, thank you for your sacrifice, your strength, and your dedication to this Office and to the citizens of San Joaquin County. Your legacy of service will not be forgotten. Congratulations on your well-earned retirement! You have more than earned this next chapter, and we wish you nothing but happiness, peace, and joy in the years ahead. Once a Deputy, always family. 💙

We would like to thank the community for their partnership and continuing support.  We have identified and recovered both vehicles of interest used in the Stockton Mass Shooting on 11/29/25.  The vehicles have been processed for evidence, and we are in the process of collecting DNA for comparison.

🚨 Vehicle in Water Response – Holt, CA 🚨 Today, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) Stockton requested assistance from the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office following a report of a vehicle submerged in the water near Lower Jones Rd / Whisky Slough Rd in Holt, California. Our Dive Team, with support from our Boating Safety Unit, responded swiftly to the scene. Deputies conducted an underwater search and successfully located the vehicle. Tragically, one deceased occupant was found inside. Our thoughts are with the individual’s loved ones during this difficult time. This incident remains under investigation by CHP. We are proud to support our partner agencies and respond when our community needs us most. Thank you to all personnel involved for their professionalism, teamwork, and dedication during a challenging response.

Update: Missing person has been located!

🚨MISSING PERSON🚨 The San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help in locating a missing person. Name: Julian CORNEJO Age: 18 Race/Sex: Hispanic male Height/Weight: 5’4”, approximately 150 lbs Last seen: Approximately 11:15 PM Location last seen: W. Turner Road & N. Davis Road, Lodi Clothing description: • Camo sweatshirt • Gray sweatpants • Black shoes • Green glasses Physical description: • Red Afro-style haircut Julian has the mental capacity of a 12-year-old and has been diagnosed with autism and ADHD. If you have seen Julian or have any information regarding his whereabouts, please contact the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office immediately.

On January 22, our dispatch center received a report of a restraining order violation after a suspect returned to the victim’s residence intoxicated and demanded entry, despite having been served with an Emergency Protective Order just days earlier. Before deputies could arrive, the suspect fled the scene and made his way to the area of Lemon Avenue in Escalon, where he committed a burglary and stole a Dodge pickup truck. At approximately 4:30 p.m., the victim returned home and discovered the front door had been kicked in and her father’s Dodge pickup truck stolen from the driveway. While deputies were still on scene, the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office contacted us to report they had located the stolen vehicle and taken the suspect into custody. The suspect was subsequently booked into the Stanislaus County Jail, bringing his afternoon crime spree to an end. A full inventory of the vehicle led to the recovery of approximately $7,000 worth of stolen property, all belonging to the victim. Outstanding work by our deputies, and a special thank you to the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office for their quick action in locating the suspect and recovering the stolen vehicle. Strong teamwork makes a difference.

Inmates’ Making Strides… The Logistics Program at the San Joaquin County Jail Honor Farm is a class that is ran Monday through Friday. Students, the San Joaquin County Jail Inmates, learn how supply chains work from global trade routes to local transportation, warehousing, and distribution. The course includes hands-on training, Prologis Online certifications, and career readiness support (resume, job search, and interviews). Graduates can earn Class I, IV & V Operator Certifications, plus train with our new forklift simulators. Congratulations to those making strides to better themselves, one class at a time.

🚨Public Assistance Needed - Case Update🚨   On 11/29/2025, deputies responded to the 1900 block of Lucile Avenue in Stockton regarding a shooting. As a result of the mass shooting, 17 people were struck by gunfire and 4 of those individuals succumbed to their injuries. Detectives have been working diligently to identify and locate the suspects responsible. Detectives have located surveillance video of two vehicles suspected to be involved in the incident. Detectives are requesting the public’s help to identify and locate the vehicles. Anyone with information on the vehicles depicted or the suspects involved are encouraged to come forward. Anyone with information can:   ▪️Send an anonymous tip by texting the word “SJSOTIP” then your message to 847411, or ▪️Submit a tip online by visiting our TIP411 page, or ▪️Call us at (209) 468-5087, or ▪️Call Stockton Crime Stoppers at (209) 946-0600 ▪️$130,000 Reward

Congratulations to our newly promoted leaders! The San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office proudly congratulates the following members on their recent promotions; each earned through years of dedication, professionalism, and a demonstrated commitment to leadership and service. Promoted to Lieutenant Lieutenant Brandon Riley Promoted to Sergeant Sergeant Matt Dargy Sergeant Eldon Long Sergeant George Negrete Sergeant Santino Westwood These promotions represent the trust placed in each of these leaders to guide, mentor, and uphold the values of this organization while serving the residents of San Joaquin County. With this achievement comes increased responsibility, influence, and the opportunity to continue setting the standard for excellence.

They are the first voice you hear in an emergency. In 2025, our dispatchers answered more than 305,000 calls, providing critical support when it mattered most. Thank you for your dedication, professionalism, and unwavering service—always.💛

To our residents of San Joaquin County This is a friendly reminder that the Sheriff’s Office Administration Lobby will closed on December 25th-26th. Normal lobby hours will resume on December 29th at 8:00 am. Happy Holidays to you & yours.

🚨Update: November 29th Homicide Investigation🚨 Our detectives have confirmed information in the investigation of the tragic November 29th shooting. We are officially seeking multiple suspects, wearing dark clothing. Detectives recovered approximately 50 casings at the scene, indicating the use of multiple firearms. To date, we have received around 50 anonymous tips, and we are grateful for the community’s continued support. Every piece of information helps. The San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office remains unwavering in our priority: protecting our community and working tirelessly to bring the individuals responsible for this horrific crime to justice. If you have any information—no matter how small—please contact our office or report anonymously through our tip line: (209) 468-5087

Reward of Up to $50,000 for Information Leading to the Identification, Arrest, and Conviction of the Individual(s) Responsible for the November 29, 2025, Mass Shooting in Stockton, California The #FBI Sacramento Field Office and the @SJSheriff are seeking information from the public regarding the mass shooting that occurred on November 29, 2025, in Stockton, California, in which multiple victims were shot. Investigators are requesting any information that will lead to the identification and arrest of the person(s) involved to include information about any vehicles, weapons, or planning activity connected to this attack. Submit photos and video captures related to the attack to fbi.gov/stocktonshooti…. You may also call in a tip to the San Joaquin Sheriff’s Office at: 209-946-0600. All information provided by community members will be kept confidential.