Fresno police announce more arrests in deadly shooting at Fresno bowling alley

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Five arrests have been made in connection to last month's deadly Bowlero shooting, including two gunmen. But the search is on for at least one person also believed to be in connection to the incident.

These arrests mean now there have been arrests in half of Fresno's eight homicides so far this year.

Chief of Police Paco Balderrama says though crime stats are down, there's still work to be done, adding, "We're going to bring safety to this city. Although the last 24 months have been difficult, because of everything that's happened across the country, law

and order is here to stay and we're not going to let this happen."

Exactly two weeks after 18-year-old Devin Johnson was gunned down in the entryway of a popular Northeast Fresno bowling alley, five arrests were made in connection to what investigators say was a gang-motivated shooting.

Chief Balderrama says, "On February 25, we were successful in serving eight search warrants, making multiple arrests, recovering guns and a lot more evidence in relation to this incident.

Investigators say the alleged shooters, 19-year-old Giovanni Rodriguez and 18-year-old Rafael Ordaz-Gonzalez, were arrested for murder during that operation.

Three others, Gustavo Mendez, Isaac Havens and a 17-year-old were taken in on assault and gang-related charges connected to the incident.

Authorities are still looking for 23-year-old Samuel Serena but say the operation was a success.

"Our tactical units started very early in the morning. As soon as we could legally serve the warrants, we did that, and another good tactical move is to do them all at the same time," Balderrama said.

While it's a win for the department-- the celebration is short-lived as the police chief says there's a lot more work to be done.

Homicides are down 42%, shootings are down 26%, it's a comparison to a very bad year. That was last year.

The deadly Bowlero shooting was the first of three shootings to take place in a public setting during the month of February.

While detectives believe these were targeted incidents, the growing concern has the chief sending a stern warning to criminals in this city.

He says "If you commit a violent crime in this community, we will find you. We will arrest you and that's the message we want to send.

Both alleged gunmen made their first court appearance Wednesday and didn't enter a plea. They're set to be back in front of a judge on the 23rd and are being held on $1.5 million bail each.