Police seeking murder suspect

The Madera Police Department remains on the hunt for one of the suspects in a murder that occurred in late June.

According to Madera Police Sgt. Josiah Arnold, Adam Solomon Diaz, 24, is wanted for his suspected involvement in the fatal shooting of Michael Sanchez, 35, of Los Banos. Diaz is reportedly believed to have acted as the getaway driver in the shooting.

Madera Police Lt. Brian Esteves said the shooting, which occurred on 11th Street and Gateway Drive on the night of June 26, was gang-related, and was the result of a case of mistaken identity.

“Apparently, he was wearing the wrong colors — the colors of a rival gang,” Esteves said.

Sanchez, who was reportedly in Madera to visit family, was believed to be walking home from Mr. D’s Bar & Grill at 427 S. Gateway Drive. It was during the walk that Diaz and Andrew Chavez, 21, of Madera, reportedly attacked Sanchez. Chavez reportedly opened fire, shooting multiple rounds, of which only one struck Sanchez, killing him. Sanchez’s body was found several hours later in the parking lot where he had died.

Chavez was arrested by officers with the Special Investigations Unit on June 29, and remains in Madera County Jail, but Diaz is still believed to be at large.

Adam Diaz is 5-foot-3 and weighs 165 lbs. He has several tattoos: one on the left forearm, that reads, “Drifting on a memory;” one on the right forearm that reads, “Amanda;” one on the right side of his neck that reads, “Julius;” and four dots on his left hand.

Diaz has been arrested before for carrying a concealed weapon, possession of a firearm while in a gang, concealing a weapon in a vehicle, carrying a loaded firearm, gang enhancement, numerous parole violations, gang registrant, and sales of methamphetamine.

According to Arnold, Diaz is extremely dangerous, and might be hiding in Madera.

Anyone who has seen Diaz, or has any leads on his whereabouts, is encouraged to call the Madera Police Department at 675-4200.