On Thursday, the Pittsburg Police Department identified Martin Benites, 49 of Bay Point, as the suspect arrested for attempted murder and wounded a police officer Wednesday.
According to Pittsburg Police, Benites has been arrested for attempted murder. The suspect was pointing a gun at our officer and fired on him, striking him in the leg. A Pittsburg police officer returned fire striking the suspect multiple times. The suspect’s firearm was located and recovered at the scene.
Police say the officer, a 24-year-decorated veteran of the force was treated and released for his gunshot wound.
This shooting is jointly being investigated by the Pittsburg Police Department and Investigators from the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office and members of the Concord Police Department. Harbor Street between E. Sante Fe Avenue and Central Avenue for several hours.
This is a fluid and ongoing investigation, more information will be released as it becomes available.
Original Release
At 11:00 am Wednesday morning, a Pittsburg Police officer saw an attempted murder suspect in the 500 block of E. 12th Street. The suspect was wanted for an attempted murder that occurred last night in the City of Concord.
The suspect fled from our officer on foot and as he turned the corner westbound onto Harbor Street our officer momentarily lost sight of him. The suspect was waiting for our officer to turn the corner and as he did the suspect ambushed our officer.
The suspect was pointing a gun at our officer and fired on him, striking him in the leg. Our officer returned fire striking the suspect multiple times. The suspect’s firearm was located and recovered at the scene.
The suspect, a 49 year old male Bay Point resident, was transported to a local hospital and is expected to survive. The suspect has been arrested for attempted murder. Our officer was treated and released for his gunshot wound. He is a 24 year decorated veteran of the Pittsburg Police Department.
Officers go to work every day realizing that incidents like this are an unfortunate reality, we are thankful and proud that his training and truly heroic actions guided him through this violent incident. Our thoughts are with him and his family.
This shooting is jointly being investigated by the Pittsburg Police Department and Investigators from the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office as well as members of the Concord Police Department.
As a result of this incident, Harbor Street between E. Sante Fe Avenue and Central Avenue will be closed for several hours. This is a fluid and ongoing investigation and more information will be released as it becomes available.
