On December 5, 2025, deputies from the Thermal Sheriff’s Station responded to a report of shots fired into an inhabited dwelling on Avenue 70 in Thermal. While investigating at the scene, a vehicle approached and someone inside fired several rounds toward the deputies, striking one of their patrol vehicles. No deputies were injured and no return fire was reported. Deputies attempted to pursue the suspect vehicle but lost sight of it.
A short time later, law enforcement found an abandoned vehicle matching the description of the suspect car on Landon Lane in Thermal. During an area search, they detained Gustavo Barrera Pena, 18, who attempted to flee on foot. Barrera Pena was arrested for two counts of attempted murder of a peace officer and discharging a firearm into an inhabited dwelling before being booked into the John J. Benoit Detention Center.
The Riverside Sheriff’s Force Investigations Detail and Central Homicide Unit took over the investigation due to the nature of the incident.
As part of ongoing efforts, investigators identified two additional suspects: Guillermo Alexander Martinez and Eric Diaz Orozco, both 18-year-old residents of Thermal. On December 7, with assistance from the Riverside County District Attorney’s Gang Impact Team, both Martinez and Diaz Orozco were located and arrested without incident. They were also booked into the John J. Benoit Detention Center for two counts each of attempted murder of a peace officer, discharging a firearm into an inhabited dwelling, and assault with a deadly weapon.
Authorities stated that “no further suspects are believed to be involved or outstanding.” The investigation remains active and ongoing; no further details have been released at this time.
Anyone with information about this case is encouraged to contact Master Investigator R. Ramirez or Senior District Attorney Investigator E. Crosson at (951) 955-2777.
For media inquiries regarding this incident please contact the Media Information Bureau.
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