Suspected getaway driver arrested

A man wanted for his role in a Madera murder of a Los Banos man in late June has been apprehended.

Adam Solomon Diaz, 24, was arrested during a traffic stop in the 1500 block of E. Cleveland Avenue around 2:30 p.m. Friday, according to Madera Police Sgt. Josiah Arnold. The arrest was made by detectives of the Madera Police Department, and by members of the Special Investigations Unit.

Diaz was wanted for his suspected involvement in the fatal shooting of Michael Sanchez, 35, of Los Banos. Diaz is reportedly believed to have acted as the getaway driver in the shooting.

“He was aware of what was going to happen. He was not the trigger man, but was just as implicit in the killing,” Arnold said. “Hundreds, if not thousands of hours went into this investigation.”

Madera Police Lt. Brian Esteves said the shooting, which occurred on 11th Street and Gateway Drive on the night of June 26, was gang-related, and was the result of a case of mistaken identity.

“Apparently, he was wearing the wrong colors- the colors of the rival gang,” Esteves said.

Sanchez who was reportedly in Madera to visit family, was believed to be walking home from Mr. D’s Bar & Grill, 427 S. Gateway Drive. It was during that walk that Diaz and Andrew Chavez, 21, of Madera, reportedly attacked Sanchez. Chavez reportedly opened fire, shooting multiple rounds, of which only one struck Sanchez, killing him. Sanchez’s body was found several hours later in the parking lot where he had died.

Chavez was arrested by officers with the Special Investigations Unit on June 29, and remains in Madera County Jail.

According to Arnold, Diaz will face charges of murder, and committing a crime in furtherance of a street gang.