Gilroy man Markus Beck arrested on DUI, weapons charges also prompted school lockdown.
A Gilroy man was arrested in a suspected DUI hit-and-run crash and weapons charges earlier this week, and it was later discovered the same man had been reported loitering at an elementary school and lived at a nearby home emitting natural gas, according to police.
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Gilroy Police Department Press Release
DUI and Weapons Arrest Leads to Discovery of a Dangerous Natural Gas Buildup Within a Residence
On February 28, 2024, at approximately 4:25 a.m., Gilroy Police Department responded to the report of a hit-and-run accident near Mantelli Drive and Wren Avenue. Upon arrival, officers discovered that a vehicle had collided with several parked cars and fled the scene. The driver, later identified as Markus Beck (46), was located and apprehended by law enforcement, still seated in his vehicle a short distance away. While contacting Beck, officers discovered a loaded firearm in the driver’s compartment and later found a loaded AR-15-style rifle in the trunk. Both firearms were registered to Beck.
Beck was found to be under the influence of alcohol at the time of the collision. As a result, Beck was arrested on multiple charges, including driving under the influence (DUI), hit-and-run, and illegal storage of firearms.
Two days prior, Beck entered the office at Luigi Aprea Elementary School to contact a female staff member who he believed worked there. School staff followed district protocols and asked Beck to leave the campus. Beck left the office and then loitered around the perimeter of the school. Once again, school staff directed him to leave and then notified the Gilroy Police Department. Officers contacted Beck at his residence a short distance away and he was advised to stay away from the school.
Based on Beck’s actions on February 26 and 28th, officers obtained a gun violence restraining order to seize any additional firearms and ammunition. They went to Beck’s residence in the 9200 block of Mockingbird Lane. Upon arrival, it was discovered that a gas stove had been emitting gas within the residence, posing a significant risk of fire or explosion. Gilroy Fire Department and PG&E responded and secured the residence, rendering it safe. This caused the brief lockdown of Luigi Aprea Elementary School and the evacuation of neighboring homes.
Quick action by emergency responders ensured the situation was brought under control, with no injuries or property damage reported. The Gilroy Police Department emphasizes its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of our community. Incidents involving intoxicated drivers and illegal possession of firearms pose severe threats to public safety, and swift action was taken to address this matter. Beck is currently in custody at Santa Clara County Jail.
The Gilroy Police Department urges anyone with information regarding this incident to contact Detective Jason Greathead at (408) 846-0373.