Stevinson man accused of shooting. Suspect’s family says it was self defense

A 25 -year-old Stevinson man is in custody as the primary suspect in a shooting that’s left one person in critical condition.

Gary James Gregory Jr. was arrested by detectives at about 7:45 p.m. Saturday in Pinole, in Contra Costa County, according to Lt. Chuck Hale.

Gregory’s family, however, claims the shooting was in self defense — and that the alleged victim was the aggressor.

Hale said deputies were dispatched Friday to the 2000 block of North Rosa Road in Stevinson for a report of shots fired.

Deputies arrived before 3 p.m. and discovered a 24-year-old Stevinson man suffering from a gunshot wound. He was flown to a Modesto hospital for treatment.

During an investigation by Major Crimes Unit detectives, it was discovered the victim and the suspect had some sort of disagreement over a relationship, authorities said.

Hale said the investigation continued throughout Friday and led detectives to Stanislaus County and eventually to Pinole. Detectives contacted Gregory and convinced him to turn himself in to law enforcement in Pinole.

Gregory was taken back to Merced County and booked into the county jail on suspicion of felony attempted murder.

The suspect’s mother Angela Gregory, however, told the Sun-Star that her son was defending himself.

Angela Gregory said it was the alleged victim in the case who initiated the violent confrontation.

Angela Gregory said it was the “third or fourth time” the alleged victim had attempted to spark a conflict with her son. Angela Gregory described her son as being a wrongly accused person with a “sweet heart.”

“He was just protecting himself,” Gregory said.

Gary James Gregory Jr. remains in custody at the John Latoracca Correctional Center in lieu of $500,000 bail, according to jail records.

This story was originally published February 10, 2020 at 1:00 PM.