Evan Perez Villanueva Arrested in Potrero Hill Fatal Shooting; Shotgun Recovered

San Francisco police took Evan Perez Villanueva, 38, into custody following a follow-up investigation into a fatal shooting that occurred at 16th and San Bruno in the Potrero Hill area. Officers recovered a shotgun during a vehicle search on the 200 block of San Bruno Avenue and booked Villanueva on homicide-related charges.

The shooting took place on January 15, 2026; investigators worked the case over the following weeks and said they tied Villanueva to the scene during follow-up work. The San Francisco Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Bureau continues to compile evidence and is asking anyone with information to contact investigators as the probe moves toward charging decisions and potential court proceedings.

Police action on the 200 block of San Bruno Avenue resulted in the recovery of a shotgun, a piece of evidence law enforcement described as part of the vehicle search that led to the arrest. Booking records list homicide-related charges, and detectives are continuing forensic and witness work that could include ballistics, surveillance review, and interviews. No additional arrests have been announced.

The arrest is likely to reverberate locally. Potrero Hill residents and nearby merchants have been following the case since mid-January, when the fatal shooting disrupted a busy corridor that serves local businesses and connects neighborhoods across the eastern slope of San Francisco. Incidents of violent crime can immediately reduce foot traffic on commercial strips and heighten demand for neighborhood safety measures such as increased patrols, lighting upgrades, and private security for restaurants and retail. Over time, sustained rises in violent incidents can affect local consumer behavior and housing market sentiment, particularly in neighborhoods prized for their walkability and small business mix.

For commuters and families who use the 16th and San Bruno corridor, the arrest may provide a sense of resolution but also a reminder of the ongoing nature of criminal investigations. The Criminal Investigations Bureau appealed directly to anyone with video, photos, or information to come forward to help finalize the case.

What happens next will matter to both public safety and neighborhood confidence. Investigators will continue assembling evidence ahead of possible prosecution, and local leaders and residents will watch for updates from SFPD about charges, court dates, and any community safety measures the city may deploy in response.