Los Banos police identify suspect wanted in gas station altercation that turned deadly

Los Banos police have identified a suspect in a May 31 shooting homicide as Robert Vazquez, 23.

A Los Banos resident, Vazquez is wanted by police in the death of Dylan Nicholas Garay, 25, following an altercation at a gas station in the 1500 block of West Pacheco Boulevard, according to a news release.

Police said a disturbance involving the occupants of two vehicles was reported at the gas station. The driver of a 4-door Honda Civic was then witnessed chasing the occupants of a black 2004 Dodge Durango away from the station and onto West Pacheco Boulevard.

According to police, a passenger in the Honda, later identified as Vazquez, fired shots at the Dodge as the two vehicles traveled along the highway. Police said Garay was shot at least once, causing the Dodge to travel across eastbound traffic lanes before crashing and rolling in a field located near the entrance of Walmart.

Garay was pronounced dead at the scene. Cmdr. Jason Hedden said police haven’t located the weapon used in the shooting. “He’s already shown his willingness to kill one person and he’s on the run,” Hedden said of the suspect

A warrant has been issued for Vazquez’s arrest, and he is considered armed and dangerous. Detectives ask anyone with information on his whereabouts to contact Detective Surina Gonzales at 209-827-7070, ext. 0.

Anonymous crime tips can be left by calling 209-827-2545 or by visiting the Los Banos Police Department’s website and clicking on “report graffiti or other crime” at the bottom of the contact page, according to police.

Tips can also be left by calling the Merced Area Crime Stoppers at 855-725-2420 or by visiting the Merced Area Crime Stoppers website, according to police.

This story was originally published August 4, 2020 at 4:18 PM.