Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, the California Department of Justice and Fresno Police Chief Jerry Dyer are proud to announce that Sergeant Jerardo “Charlie” Chamalbide will be awarded the 2007 Governor’s Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor.

On February 20, 2007, the annual Mardi Gras celebration in the Tower District was disrupted when a gunman shot and seriously injured a motorcycle officer. Officer Gil Holguin initiated a traffic stop with Joel Perales, 23 years old, for driving in the wrong direction. Perales exited his vehicle and shot Officer Holguin and an innocent woman. Officer Holguin radioed for help, as Perales fled the scene.

Officers, alerted by Officer Gil Holguin broadcast, spotted Perales’ vehicle and began a pursuit. Sergeant Chamalbide positioned his patrol car directly behind Perales’ vehicle. During the pursuit, Perales stopped his vehicle several times, angling it to allow a clear shot at pursuing officers. Each time he fired multiple rounds. One round penetrated Sergeant Chamalbide’s windshield and grazed the tope right-side of his head. With blood running down the side of his face, Sergeant Chamalbide continued to pursue Perales.

During the pursuit, Perales also shot Officer Raphael Davis. Less than ten minuets, and four miles, after the pursuit began, Perales stopped his vehicle. Sergeant Chamalbide rammed his patrol car into Perales’ vehicle. Perales opened the driver’s door and ignored officers’ commands to show his hands. Fearing for their own safety and that of the public, officers were forced to fire at Perales, ultimately killing him.

Because of his selfless actions and bravery in the face of mortal danger in pursuit of this suspect, Sergeant Chamalbide will receive the 2007 Governor’s Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor.

The event will be held on Tuesday, September 16, 2008 from 11:30 A.M. to 12:30 P.M and at the Governor’s State Mansion located at 800 N Street, Sacramento, CA 95814. Chief Dyer will attend this event.

Sergeant Chamalbide was hired by the Fresno Police Department on May 26, 1995. At the time of the Mardi Gras shooting, he was a sergeant in the Fresno Police Department’s Patrol Unit and is currently a sergeant in
Internal Affairs.