The San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office has made significant progress in resolving two separate shootings that occurred in October 2023, leading to the arrest of two suspects believed to be involved in both incidents.
The first shooting incident took place shortly after midnight on Saturday, October 21, 2023, on Cypress Ave. near Pilarcitos Ave., followed by another incident around 8:15 p.m. on Monday, October 23, 2023, at the intersection of Willow Ave. and Pilarcitos Ave. Fortunately, no injuries were reported in either case.
The investigations into these shootings spanned several months and involved diligent efforts by Sheriff’s detectives from the Investigations Bureau and the San Mateo County Gang Intelligence Unit.
As a result of these extensive investigations, two suspects were identified: 18-year-old Orlando MontelongoChavarin and 19-year-old John A. Neves, both residents of unincorporated San Mateo County. Both suspects are believed to have been involved in both shooting incidents.
On April 9, 2024, John A. Neves was apprehended by Sheriff’s Detectives and Patrol Deputies in Half Moon Bay. He was subsequently booked into the Maguire Correctional Facility on multiple charges, including attempted homicide, discharge of a firearm at an inhabited dwelling/vehicle, assault with a deadly weapon, conspiracy to commit a crime, and participation in a criminal street gang.
Orlando MontelongoChavarin, who was already in custody at the Maguire Correctional Facility related to a separate January 2024 shooting, was arraigned in San Mateo County Superior Court on the same day for his involvement in the October shootings. He faces charges including attempted homicide, conspiracy to commit a crime, participation in a criminal street gang, assault with a deadly weapon, and discharge of a firearm at an inhabited dwelling/vehicle.
The Sheriff’s Office encourages anyone with further information about these cases to contact Detective Richard Deschler at rdeschler@smcgov.org or 650-363-4881. Anonymous tips can also be provided via the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office Anonymous Tip Line at 1-800-547-2700.
