Media Release - Shooting suspect arrested
On Saturday, October 18, 2025, at approximately 4:23 AM, the East Palo Alto Police Department responded to a ShotSpotter activation in the 1000 block of Beech Street. Upon arrival, officers located evidence of a shooting; however, no victims or suspects were found at the scene.
On Saturday, November 8, 2025, a victim arrived at the East Palo Alto Police Department to report that he had been shot at while driving on October 18, 2025, in the 1000 block of Beech Street. The victim identified the shooter as 36-year-old Luis Albert Sotelo-Villa of East Palo Alto. Detectives assumed the investigation and learned that a second victim had also been inside the vehicle during the shooting. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
Through the use of FLOCK technology, detectives were able to identify the suspect vehicle involved in the incident. On Thursday, November 13, 2025, the U.S. Marshals Service assisted the East Palo Alto Police Department in safely apprehending Sotelo-Villa at his residence in East Palo Alto.
Sotelo-Villa, who is prohibited from owning or possessing firearms, was taken into custody without incident and booked into the San Mateo County Jail.
Prepared by:
Detective Sergeant Jose Luaorozco
For additional information:
Captain Jaime Jimenez
