Lodi man, 19, and boy, 14, arrested after shooting incident on Vine Street

May 11—Two people were arrested this week for their involvement in a shooting, and a third suspect is still at large.

Lodi Police Department officers responded to the report of gunfire in the 100 block of West Vine Street at about 11:20 a.m. Thursday morning, police said.

Upon arrival, officers learned that an occupied vehicle was shot at by several subjects who retreated into a residence on Vine Street.

A perimeter was established while the SWAT unit and the department's Critical Negotiations Team responded to the scene, and officers closed off Vine Street between Church and Sacramento streets.

At about 1 p.m., police said, three subjects attempted to flee from the home.

Edward Rodriguez, 19, of Lodi, and a 14-year-old boy were quickly detained. Rodriguez was soon identified as the shooter, police said.

A third person, believed to be a boy, was not located, and police said there is no indication of any threat to public safety.

Detectives served search warrants at the location and seized ballistic evidence, ammunition, and a Polymer 80 9mm handgun with an extended magazine, police said.

Rodriquez was initially booked into the Lodi City Jail on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon, resisting arrest, conspiracy to commit a crime, gang enhancements, and various firearm-related offenses.

He was ultimately booked into San Joaquin County Jail at 7:30 p.m. that night, and is being held on $1 million bail. He is expected to appear in San Joaquin County Superior Court on Monday, May 13 for arraignment, according to the jail's inmate roster.

The 14-year-old boy was booked into Peterson Juvenile Hall in French Camp on suspicion of resisting arrest, conspiracy to commit a crime and gang enhancements.

The victim has been identified but has yet to come forward. His condition cannot be confirmed, but he is believed to be uninjured, police said.

Officers reopened Vince Street at about 4:30 p.m.

Thursday's shooting and arrest was the first since the fall, when officers arrested 27-year-old Jerry Rayburn on suspicion of attempted murder.

Police said Rayburn shot a 36-year-old man multiple times in the 00 block of South Main Street on Oct. 30.

Rayburn was arrested on Nov. 3, and is being held without bail at San Joaquin County Jail. The victim ultimately died, and Rayburn was charged with murder.

His next court appearance is July 22.

An investigation into Thursday's shooting is ongoing, and anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Raul Elias at 209-269-4839 or the Lodi Police Department at 209-333-6728.

You can also remain anonymous by contacting the Lodi Area Crimestoppers at 209-369-2746. Reference case 23-3304 when calling.

Drugs found in motorist's vehicle

Last Tuesday at about 4:42 am, Lodi Police Department officers conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by 53-year-old James Bitz of Lodi.

During the stop, a K9 unit checked the vehicle's exterior and alerted its handler to the presence of drugs, police said.

Officers had Bitz exit the car, and he was found to be in possession of a loaded handgun.

The K9 officer then checked the vehicle's interior and located a bag located on the vehicle's floorboard. Officers located more than 10 ounces of methamphetamine inside the bag, police said.

Bitz was arrested on suspicion of various weapons and drugs charges, and was booked into the Lodi City Jail.