By Peter Hecht
phecht@sacbee.com
The Amador County Sheriff's Department on Monday identified a 19-year-old gang member arrested in the shootings of two teenagers in a restaurant at the Jackson Rancheria Casino.
Gilbert Zaragoza (left photo) of Stockton was booked into Amador County Jail on two counts of attempted murder in the 5:30 a.m. shooting Sunday.
Amador Undersheriff Jim Wegner said Zaragoza opened fire on an 18-year-old and 15-year-old in what appeared to be a clash between rival gangs.
The victims were taken by helicopter to area hospitals with wounds to their face and neck. No one else was hurt in the incident.
"It was five o'clock in the morning, not an extraordinary busy time at the casino," Wegner said. "It was probably a fortunate time for this to occur, if it had to occur."
Authorities said a .22 caliber revolver believed used in the shooting was recovered from a vehicle in a casino parking structure after casino security and police from Jackson and Sutter Creek established a perimeter around the garage.
A California Highway Patrol officer later detained two men exiting the brush near Dalton Road and Highway 88. Using casino surveillance footage, deputies determined one of the men was the alleged shooter.
Authorities said Zaragoza is a member of the Lathrop Hispanic Pride gang.
Call The Bee's Peter Hecht, (916) 326-5539.









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