Man Charged With Gilroy Homicide Was Arrested After Police Chase

GILROY, CA — A man who was arrested last Wednesday on suspicion of shooting at officers during a pursuit was also charged with a homicide that occurred the previous day, according to the Gilroy Police Department.

Joshua Munoz, 36, was identified on Tuesday as the suspect in the killing of 48-year-old Anthony Villalobos on June 8. Shortly after midnight, officers found Villalobos unresponsive at the intersection of Railroad Street and Martin Street with at least one gunshot wound. He was transported to a local trauma center where he was later pronounced deceased.

The next day, according to police, Munoz shot at officers during a high speed pursuit on southbound Highway 101.

Gilroy police said Munoz refused to yield after officers initiated a traffic stop, instead leading them on a chase on the highway. At one point, he held a pistol out of the window and fired a round at the pursuing officers, police said. No officers were struck as Munoz continued to waive the gun out the window.

Police arrested Munoz when he tried to flee on foot after he lost control of the vehicle and crashed in Salinas.

Munoz had numerous felony and misdemeanor warrants outstanding, according to police, including charges of possession of a firearm, resisting arrest, child endangerment, brandishing a weapon, burglary and violation of probation.

He faces additional charges of attempted murder of a police officer, felony evasion, felon in possession of a firearm and resisting arrest.

Munoz will also face homicide charges, the Santa Clara District Attorney’s Office confirmed on Monday.