Dinuba, California — Justice has been served in a case that shook the city of Dinuba and its law enforcement community. On July 1, 2025, in Department 10 of the Tulare County Superior Court, Samuel Camposeco, age 29, was sentenced to 50 years to life in prison for the attempted murder of a peace officer during a gang-related armed robbery at a Texaco gas station in 2017.
The violent incident, which unfolded on January 5, 2017, began when Samuel Camposeco and accomplice Luis Vargas—both armed with semi-automatic firearms—stormed the Texaco gas station in Dinuba, attempting to commit an armed robbery. The situation escalated when an off-duty police officer, inside the store at the time, recognized suspicious behavior and exited the store to call for assistance.
Moments later, a Dinuba Police Department officer coincidentally arrived at the scene as his shift began. From outside the building, the officer witnessed Luis Vargas pistol-whipping the store clerk, while Camposeco, wearing a gray hoodie, pointed a firearm at the clerk. Acting quickly, the officer identified himself by announcing, “Dinuba Police Department” before entering the store and firing to stop the violent assault.
Camposeco and Vargas returned fire immediately, forcing the officer to retreat to the safety of his patrol vehicle. In the chaos, the two suspects grabbed money from the store and fled the scene in separate directions. Vargas charged toward the officer, still armed, and refused multiple commands to drop his weapon. In the ensuing shootout, Vargas was struck multiple times by the officer’s return fire and later died from his injuries.
Camposeco managed to escape that night but was located and arrested a month later in the city of Exeter, ending a multi-agency manhunt.
Guilty Verdict and Charges
Following a bifurcated trial conducted under AB 333, which required separate consideration for gang-related enhancements, Camposeco was found guilty on a comprehensive set of serious felony charges, including:
- Attempted Murder of a Peace Officer with Premeditation, including the special allegation of discharging a firearm
- Conspiracy to Commit Robbery, with special allegations of firearm use and commission for the benefit of a criminal street gang
- Robbery, with firearm and gang allegations
- Assault with a Semi-Automatic Firearm on a Peace Officer, with firearm enhancement
- Assault with a Semi-Automatic Firearm on the Store Clerk, with firearm and gang allegations
On May 29, 2025, the jury returned a unanimous guilty verdict. On June 3, 2025, the jury confirmed that all crimes were committed for the benefit of a criminal street gang, significantly enhancing the sentencing consequences.
Adding to the severity of the sentence was Camposeco’s prior strike conviction for attempted residential burglary in 2016, which qualified under California’s Three Strikes Law.
A Victory for Justice and a Warning to Violent Offenders
“This case is a stark reminder of the dangers our law enforcement officers face every day,” said a representative from the Tulare County District Attorney’s Office. “Samuel Camposeco showed no regard for human life, firing at an officer doing his duty to protect the public and violently assaulting an innocent store clerk. The sentence handed down today ensures he will no longer pose a threat to society.”
The Dinuba Police Department, along with community leaders, have expressed gratitude for the work of the jury, prosecutors, and law enforcement agencies that ensured justice was served after years of preparation, investigation, and court proceedings.
Conclusion
The sentencing of Samuel Camposeco to 50 years to life represents a decisive response to gang violence, attempted murder, and the deliberate targeting of peace officers. It also delivers long-awaited closure to the victims of this terrifying incident — including the wounded store clerk, the targeted officers, and the broader Dinuba community traumatized by this brazen act of violence.
With this chapter now closed, the message from law enforcement and the justice system is clear: those who attempt to harm public servants and terrorize communities through gang violence will be held accountable — and removed from society for good.