Authorities identify Gilroy man killed in confrontation with car thief
The incident was reported Tuesday morning in the 1300 block of Pheasant Drive.
GILROY – A man who was shot to death while confronting a car thief Tuesday morning in Gilroy has been identified as Jeffrey Dempler, 32, of Gilroy, according to the Santa Clara County Medical Examiner-Coroner’s Office.
Officers were initially called to the 1300 block of Pheasant Drive around 12:25 a.m. for a report of an injury hit-and-run collision, the Gilroy Police Department said in a statement. They arrived to find Dempler with what appeared to be a gunshot wound to his chest.
Dempler was taken to an area hospital, where he died of his injuries, according to police.
A preliminary investigation revealed Dempler had confronted a person who was trying to steal his car. Police said the person shot Dempler and drove away in his car.
The California Highway Patrol located the car and took the suspect into custody south of Salinas after a pursuit, according to police.
Anyone with information related to the case can contact Detective Jason Greathead at 408-846-0373 or jason.greathead@cityofgilroy.org, or the tip line at 408-846-0330.
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