Suspect pleads not guilty to attempted murder

A 21-year-old man on Friday pleaded not guilty to charges related to the shooting of a gang associate in August.

Gregorio Robert Chavez was arraigned on charges of first-degree attempted murder and assault.

A tentative trial date was set for Feb. 11.

Chavez is accused of shooting Jose Reyes in the right leg and foot late Aug. 24 or early Aug. 25 in retaliation for an assault that occurred at Reyes’ home, according to a probable cause affidavit.

Reyes told police he was walking on East 18th Street near Norris Road when a car approached him. Reyes told police he was “called out” by a man in the rear passenger seat. Reyes attempted to flee and was shot, the affidavit said.

Reyes identified the shooter as “Frost,” which is a street name for Chavez, according to Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Camara Banfield

Chavez’s attorney, Ed Dunkerly, requested bail of $500,000 be lowered.

Judge Barbara Johnson denied the request.

“I think the bail is appropriate as set,” she said.

Chavez was apprehended earlier this year in California but fought extradition back to Washington, Banfield said.

Two other suspects, Stefan A. Duran, 21, and Connie C. Gadberry, 20, were apprehended at the same time and agreed to extradition. They were arraigned earlier this year on first-degree attempted murder and assault charges. Their trial is also set for Feb. 11.