CLOVIS, Calif. — Authorities have arrested two teenagers in connection with the fatal shooting of 18-year-old Caleb Quick, shedding new light on the tragic incident that occurred near a local McDonald’s. The arrests followed a series of searches and investigations that prompted local law enforcement to act swiftly.
During a Saturday press conference, Clovis Police Chief Curt Fleming identified a 16-year-old boy as the alleged shooter and a 16-year-old girl as the driver who fled the scene. Both suspects, who are students in the Clovis Unified School District, were charged with murder. Chief Fleming stated the police were able to confirm their presence at the scene using surveillance footage and witness statements.
The shooting took place on April 23, outside the McDonald’s located at the intersection of Willow and Nees avenues. Police reviewed surveillance footage revealing the boy trailing Quick for approximately 13 minutes before the shooting. Additional video showed both suspects arriving in a white Tesla, deemed the getaway vehicle, prior to the incident.
Shortly after the shooting, the video captured the male suspect running west while the white Tesla followed closely behind. Law enforcement discovered the vehicle during a search of a nearby home, roughly a mile from the fast-food restaurant. As the investigation unfolded, it was revealed that the suspects had employed private defense attorneys who facilitated their surrender.
Chief Fleming explained that, although a reward had been offered for information leading to an arrest, no tips from the crime-stopping organization resulted in their capture. As such, the $40,000 reward will not be disbursed. The girl reportedly turned herself in from her attorney’s office in downtown Fresno, while the boy surrendered later that afternoon.
During the investigation, police also recovered a firearm from the alleged shooter’s residence. Both suspects knew Quick, and it is noted that they were in a dating relationship. However, the specific motive behind the shooting remains unclear.
As the case progresses, it has been handed over to the District Attorney’s Office, which faces a deadline for filing formal charges. Chief Fleming emphasized the importance of basing any information shared with the public on verified facts, dismissing unsubstantiated rumors currently circulating.
Community members are left reeling from the violence, and investigators continue to pursue leads as they work to piece together the events leading to Quick’s death. Authorities encourage anyone with additional information to contact law enforcement as they strive for clarity in this ongoing case.