The shootout in Arvin raises concerns about police financing and the ability to combat serious crimes

Arvin, California – (KBAK/FOX58) The authorities identified the victims of a shootout on Saturday morning in Arvin as Jesus Martinez and Alexander Gonsalez. The incident, which took place at 4:30 a.m., raised questions about the financial willingness of the Arvin Police Department to combat crimes.

The police reacted to shots in a quiet quarter and found two men, who were assumed that they were in the late year until the mid -twenties and were wounded in front of a house. Despite life -saving efforts, both men succumbed to their injuries. A third person, a minor in a residence, was also taken to the hospital with non -life -threatening injuries.

No suspects were arrested when the Arvin Police Department worked with the Sheriffs from Kern County to examine the shootout. If governed murders, these deaths would make the deadliest year for the department in 2025 since the police officers were submitted to a report by the Grand jury. The report was issued to give the city recommendations for operating in the budget of almost 8 million US dollars.

In recent years, Arvin has determined a reduction in crime, whereby only one murder was recorded in 2022 and 2024, and none in 2023. However. Incomplete data from 2024 indicates that crime has been exceeded at the Tempo of 2023, according to the Arvin Police data from last year's report by the Grand Jury.

The city's patrol strength remains under 20 officers. While there was a slight decline in cases of firearms, murder, robbery and domestic violence, other areas, including violations of animal control and traffic violations, in particular DUIS, rise.