Detectives search for domestic violence suspect in east-central Fresno

The Fresno County Sheriff’s Office is searching for a domestic violence suspect who violated a restraining order Tuesday in east-central Fresno.

Jose Padilla, 30, allegedly fired multiple shots from a gun near his ex-girlfriend’s home in the 4300 block of Kenmore Drive South around 6 a.m. Tuesday, deputies said.

Padilla had driven up to the property in a black SUV towing a trailer and had begun unloading furniture in the front yard when he got into an argument with a resident. When he drove off shortly after that, residents in the area heard multiple gunshots being fired, but deputies were unable to find any evidence of bullets.

Deputies searched an apartment complex in the 4700 block of East Weldon Avenue where Padilla lived but were unable to make an arrest.

Around 9 a.m., deputies received information that Padilla may be driving an Audi in the area, spotting the car near Clinton and Price avenues. A short car chase ensued, ending in the arrest of Rodolfo Valdivia, 35, of Fresno. Valdivia, who knew Padilla, was booked into the Fresno County Jail on suspicion of evading an officer and having an outstanding arrest warrant.

Deputies also found a gun near the McKinley on-ramp to Highway 168, which could have been thrown from the vehicle during the chase, deputies said.

Padilla is 5 feet 9 inches, 290 pounds and goes by the name “Antonio.”

Anyone with information on Padilla should call the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office at (559) 600-3111 or Crime Stoppers at (559) 498-STOP.

This story was originally published January 12, 2016 at 8:20 PM with the headline "Detectives search for domestic violence suspect in east-central Fresno."