On December 8, 2023, 33-year-old Coty Bruhn was fatally shot at his workplace, Holz Rubber Company, located in Lodi, California. The incident occurred in the afternoon, with more than 100 employees present at the facility. Bruhn was targeted and shot multiple times by the assailant, who then fled the scene.
Following the shooting, law enforcement agencies, including the Lodi Police Department, the San Joaquin County Sheriff's Office, and the California Highway Patrol, initiated an
extensive manhunt for the suspect. Three days later, on December 11, 2023, 25-year-old Frank Avila was apprehended in Galt, California, after allegedly breaking into a residence. Avila was found sleeping under a pile of clothing in a guest bedroom and was taken into custody without incident.
Investigators identified Avila as the primary suspect in Bruhn's murder. Both Avila and Bruhn were employees at Holz Rubber Company, leading authorities to believe the attack was targeted. The motive behind the shooting remains under investigation. Avila was initially booked into the Sacramento County Main Jail on charges related to the burglary in Galt, with a bail set at $1 million. He is expected to face homicide charges in San Joaquin County for Bruhn's death.
In the wake of this tragedy, a GoFundMe campaign was established by Valerie Quintana to assist with funeral expenses for Coty Bruhn. The campaign describes Bruhn as an "innocent bystander gunned down while at work" and highlights his qualities as a kind-hearted and free-spirited individual who was ambitious and motivated.
The Holz Rubber Company resumed operations following the incident, while the community continues to mourn the loss of Coty Bruhn. Law enforcement agencies are continuing their investigation to uncover the motive behind the shooting and to ensure justice is served.
