Crime
22-year-old Kwantrell Vargas killed in shooting on Troy Drive in Madison
In connection with the shooting, the Madison Police Department has arrested three individuals.
The Dane County Medical Examiner’s Office has identified the victim of a fatal shooting that occurred on December 5 in the 1500 block of Troy Drive in Madison.
The deceased has been identified as 22-year-old Kwantrell Vargas, a resident of Madison. Vargas was pronounced dead at the scene of the incident.
In connection with the shooting, the Madison Police Department has arrested three individuals, with charges varying based on their alleged roles in the crime:
- Denarian M. Ward, 17, was taken into custody without incident on Monday evening. He faces charges of felony murder (party to a crime) and robbery. He is currently being held at the Dane County Jail.
- A 16-year-old boy, whose identity has not been disclosed due to his age, is also facing charges of felony murder (party to a crime), first-degree reckless homicide, and robbery.
- Denivea L. Ward, 19, was arrested on charges of harboring or aiding a felon and for a probation hold. He was also taken into custody Monday evening without incident and is being held at the Dane County Jail.
The Madison Police Department confirmed that two teenage individuals who were injured during the incident are now in custody as part of the investigation.
The case is being led by the departmentโs Violent Crime Unit, which continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Additional details, including the motives and events leading up to the crime, have not been released at this time.
Authorities urge anyone with further information about this incident to contact the Madison Police Department.
SAN JOSE, Calif. โ A San Jose police officer was shot and injured while investigating an armed carjacking in the downtown area on Wednesday, according to the San Jose Police Department (SJPD).
Authorities said the incident unfolded near the downtown core, close to major roadways including Highway 87 and the Julian Street exit.
Preliminary information indicates the suspect was involved in a series of violent events spanning multiple jurisdictions prior to the shooting.
Investigators believe the suspect initially stole a white Honda in Hollister, after abandoning a green Chevrolet Corvette.
During the course of the incident, the suspect allegedly fired shots at pursuing law enforcement officers, prompting a high-speed pursuit.
Police said the chase continued northbound on U.S. Highway 101, with speeds reportedly exceeding 100 miles per hour, traveling from Gilroy to San Jose. The pursuit ultimately led officers into the downtown area, where the officer-involved shooting occurred.
SJPD confirmed that a sworn department member was struck by gunfire and was transported to a local hospital. The officerโs condition has not been publicly disclosed at this time.
In a statement released on social media, the department said:
โSJPD is currently investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred in downtown San Jose related to an armed carjacking. An SJPD sworn Department member has been shot and transported to a local hospital. This is an active and ongoing investigation, and PIOs will share more information as it becomes available.โ
As of Wednesday afternoon, police had not confirmed whether any suspects were in custody, nor had they indicated whether any civilians were injured during the incident.
The shooting took place in an area that includes government buildings, businesses, and major transit hubs, leading to temporary traffic disruptions and a heightened police presence.
The investigation remains active and ongoing, and additional details are expected to be released by authorities as more information becomes available.