Officer Involved Shooting in Pixley 

January 10, 2025 – Tulare County Sheriff’s Office officials report that at around 10:45 p.m. on January 8, 2025, TCSO Deputies were in the area of the 8000 Block of Road 120 in Pixley when they spotted a black Ford Mustang traveling more than 100 mph without lights on. 

Deputies tried to pull the car over. The driver wouldn’t stop right away, but eventually pulled into the driveway of a nearby home. 

Deputies removed three of the four suspects from the vehicle without incident, after alcohol and open containers were observed. They were identified as 18-year-old Kameron Compton, 21-year-old Alexander Fernandez, and 18-year-old Christian Ochoa- all from Pixley. 

The fourth suspect, 28-year-old Gustavo Benitez of Pixley, was in the rear passenger seat and refused to get out, despite numerous orders from deputies to show his hands and exit the vehicle.

Benitez then pulled out a gun and fired at the Deputies. Two Deputies returned fire, striking Benitez. He was treated for his injuries on scene and taken to a local hospital, where he died.

Two guns were found inside the vehicle, along with evidence of a shot being fired by Benitez. 

Compton and Fernandez were taken into custody and booked for Conspiracy, Assault with a firearm, and being a felon in possession of a firearm. 

Ochoa was taken into custody for Conspiracy and assault with a firearm.

The Deputies involved in the shooting were placed on paid administrative leave.

The Tulare Police Department has taken over the investigation.

(Pictured above: Gustavo Benitez - Blue Hoodie, Kameron Compton - White shirt, Alexander Fernandez - black jacket, Christian Ochoa - Gray hoodie)

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Tulare County Sheriff Office at 559-733-6218. 

View video here.

Source & photo: Tulare County Sheriff’s Office