Modesto man found guilty of attempted murder of police officer. He faces life in prison

A man accused of shooting at a Modesto Police Department officer last year was found guilty of attempted murder, the Stanislaus County District Attorney’s Office announced.

Gordon Massey, 30, shot at Officer Raihil Sharma on June 3, 2023, near the intersection of Phoenix and Glendale avenues. Massey was riding his bicycle when Sharma stopped him. The reason for the stop was not disclosed by MPD.

“The District Attorney’s Office will continue to have zero tolerance for those that put our community at risk and jeopardize the safety of our law enforcement professionals,” read a statement from District Attorney Jeff Laugero.

During the stop, Sharma ran Massey’s name through his patrol vehicle’s computer and noticed Massey had warrants related to DUI and drug charges. Massey fled on his bicycle.

Sharma followed Massey for about a minute, through a nearby shopping center, then into an adjacent neighborhood, where Massey fired several shots at Sharma. Two of the bullets fired by Massey struck Sharma’s vehicle, with one of the bullets missing the officer and striking the passenger seat headrest, according to the DA’s Office.

Body camera footage was later released by MPD, which showed that Sharma fired three shots out the window of his patrol car. Massey rode around the corner and into an alley.

When Sharma caught up with him, Massey was on the ground, lying next to his bicycle. Sharma held Massey at gunpoint until more officers arrived. Massey was taken to an area hospital to treat a gunshot wound to his arm. He was later arrested for attempted murder of a peace officer, several weapons-related charges and several outstanding warrants.

A stolen .45 caliber handgun was found at the scene.

A jury found Massey guilty of premeditated attempted murder of a police officer, assaulting a police officer with a semiautomatic weapon, being a felon in possession of a firearm, methamphetamine possession while in possession of a firearm, and other related charges.

He faces life in prison and is scheduled to be sentenced Dec. 12 in Stanislaus County Superior Court.