Visalia gang member guilty in shooting of two police officers

A gang member was convicted Tuesday of attempted murder in the 2013 shooting of two Visalia police officers, Tulare County District Attorney Tim Ward said.

Luis Avilez, 27, of Visalia is scheduled to be sentenced Aug. 17 in Tulare County Superior Court. He faces 87 years to life in prison.

On May 16, 2013, Avilez was seen driving erratically near Ben Maddox Way and Houston Street in Visalia when he was stopped by officers, pulling into a neighboring driveway. Avilez jumped the fence and entered a home on nearby Stover Street, where he hid in a closet.

When officers entered the home, Avilez fired a .357 revolver, hitting one officer in the left forearm, and the second officer in the shoulder.

Avilez then shot the first officer three more times, severely injuring him.

Officers returned fire, striking Avilez repeatedly. They were then able to take Avilez into custody.

This story was originally published July 28, 2015 at 9:14 PM with the headline "Visalia gang member guilty in shooting of two police officers."