Fresno man arrested in Los Banos shooting

A Fresno man wanted on suspicion of attempted murder in a Los Banos shooting was arrested Tuesday by California Highway Patrol officers after a high-speed pursuit in Kern County, officers reported.

Carl William Littlefield, 20, is also wanted by police in Missouri. Authorities there say he fired a gun while fleeing after a shoplifting attempt at a Walmart. He is on probation for auto theft in Fresno County, according to authorities.

Tuesday’s arrest took place after CHP officers spotted a stolen 1998 Toyota Corolla in Oildale that was sought in connection with the Los Banos shooting. When officers tried to stop the vehicle, the driver sped away before abandoning the car and running. Littlefield was arrested a short time later and was booked into Kern County’s jail, the CHP said in a news release.

Police in Los Banos identified Littlefield; his brother Billy Ray Littlefield, 21; and Peyton Garnica, 20, as suspects in the Nov. 27 shooting of David Contreras, 35, which occurred after an argument.

Contreras is undergoing rehabilitative physical therapy, according to his family.

On Dec. 9, Billy Ray Littlefield of Springfield, Mo., and Garnica of Los Banos were arrested after a shoplifting attempt at the Walmart in Springfield, according to the Springfield News Leader. Police say Carl Littlefield fired a shot inside the store before escaping.

Billy Ray Littlefield and Garnica have since been released from jail, according to authorities.

Carl Littlefield is in custody at the Kern County jail with bail set at $520,000. He is being held on suspicion of attempted murder, possession of a stolen vehicle and resisting arrest.

This story was originally published December 15, 2015 at 11:07 AM with the headline "Fresno man arrested in Los Banos shooting."