Final Suspect in 2018 Manteca Shooting Arrested: Damien Wolfson Taken into Custody in Tracy, Faces Multiple Felony Charges Including Attempted Murder
Manteca, CA — April 30, 2025
After years of investigation, law enforcement officials have announced the arrest of the fourth and final suspect in a violent 2018 shooting that left three people wounded. On April 18, 2018, Manteca Police Department Detectives successfully located and arrested Damien Wolfson in the city of Tracy, bringing long-awaited closure to a case that has lingered in the community’s memory for years.
The shooting, which occurred one month earlier on March 18, 2018, took place in the 1800 block of Hastings Drive in a quiet Manteca neighborhood. According to authorities, five individuals were seated inside a parked vehicle when it was suddenly ambushed and riddled with gunfire. Three of the five occupants sustained gunshot wounds but miraculously survived the attack.
Arrest and Charges
Wolfson was immediately transported to San Joaquin County Jail, where he was booked without bail. He faces a series of serious felony charges tied to the shooting, including:
- PC 182(A)(1) – Conspiracy to Commit a Crime (Felony)
- PC 664/187 – Attempted Willful Murder (Five Counts, Felony)
Authorities say Wolfson’s arrest marks the final chapter in the effort to bring all those responsible for the Hastings Drive shooting to justice. The other three suspects had been previously arrested and charged in connection with the incident.
“This arrest is a testament to the persistence of our investigators and the commitment of our department to ensure justice for the victims,” said Manteca Police Department spokesperson Sgt. Laura Martinez. “Although years have passed, we never gave up on holding all perpetrators accountable.”
The 2018 Shooting Incident
The shooting stunned residents of the Manteca neighborhood, many of whom described the sound of rapid gunfire piercing the stillness of a typical Sunday evening. Witnesses recalled seeing a dark vehicle fleeing the scene at high speed shortly after the shots rang out.
Police arrived minutes later to find a parked vehicle riddled with bullet holes. Three young victims, aged between 16 and 22, were transported to local hospitals with injuries that were later confirmed to be non-life-threatening. The remaining two passengers were unharmed but reportedly traumatized by the attack.
Investigators quickly determined that the shooting was targeted, though the motive behind the attack was not publicly disclosed. The crime scene was secured and combed for forensic evidence, while detectives began the process of identifying and locating the suspects.
Ongoing Legal Proceedings
Wolfson’s case will now proceed through the San Joaquin County criminal justice system. Given the severity of the charges — including five counts of attempted murder — legal experts anticipate a complex and lengthy court process. Prosecutors are expected to argue that the shooting constituted a premeditated act of violence, while Wolfson’s defense team has yet to make a public statement.
The San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office has not ruled out the possibility of additional charges or sentence enhancements depending on further developments in the case.
Community Response
While the 2018 shooting sent shockwaves through the Manteca community, the news of Wolfson’s arrest has brought a measure of relief and resolution to victims and residents alike.
“I remember that night like it was yesterday,” said one local resident who lived near the scene. “We’ve waited a long time for this, and I hope the victims can finally find some peace knowing that everyone involved is being held accountable.”
As the case against Damien Wolfson unfolds, the Manteca Police Department encourages anyone with additional information related to the shooting or the events leading up to it to come forward. Tips can be submitted anonymously through local Crime Stoppers programs or directly to the Manteca Police Investigations Unit.