Flowers, candles and other item sit between a sports field and walking path at Oakley Park in memory of Jesus Cabrera Valverde,15. A 17-year-old was arrested this week in connection with the Dec. 9 homicide. Credit: Janene Scully / Noozhawk photo

A 17-year-old male has been arrested in connection with the fatal shooting of a Pioneer Valley High School student at a park 11 days ago in northwest Santa Maria.

At approximately 2:30 p.m. Dec. 9, Santa Maria police responded to a shooting at Oakley Road near the intersection of Western and Agnes avenues, according to Lt. Daniel Rios of the Santa Maria Police Department.

Officers found Jesus Cabrera Valverde, 15, at the scene with gunshot wound injuries. 

Valverde was transported by ambulance to the hospital where he later died due to his injuries.

Members of the Santa Maria Police Department Detective Bureau responded to the scene and took over the investigation. 

On Wednesday morning, Santa Maria police detectives and SWAT team members with assistance from the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department SWAT Team and investigations deputies conducted a joint warrant service operation. 

Search warrants were served at multiple residential locations within Santa Maria related to this investigation, Rios said.

A 17-year-old male juvenile, whose name wasn’t released due to his age, was taken into custody for suspicion of murder and a gang enhancement. 

He was booked into the Santa Maria Juvenile Hall, Rios said.

Police said anyone with information about this case should contact Detective Juan Rubio at 805.928.3781, ext. 1682 or the Communications Center at 805.928.3781, ext. 2277.

The SMPD Tip Line may also be reached anonymously anytime at 805.928.3781, ext. 2677 (COPS).

— Noozhawk North County editor Janene Scully can be reached at jscully@noozhawk.com. Follow Noozhawk on Twitter: @noozhawk, @NoozhawkNews and @NoozhawkBiz. Connect with Noozhawk on Facebook.