Authorities in central California’s Stockton arrested a man on Saturday in connection with a series of murders that left six people dead.

Stockton Police Chief Stanley McFadden claimed the arrest of Wesley Brownlee was made around 2 am on Saturday after a surveillance team determined the 43-year-old suspect was “out hunting” and “on a mission to kill.”

Also read: Stockton serial killings: Police arrest suspect Wesley Brownlee

“His patterns were consistent with some of the patterns that we have seen,” McFadden assured. “(He was) around parks, around dark places, stopping, looking around, moving again. And at that point, we thought, for the safety of the public, it was best to take this person in.”

When he was brought into jail, Brownlee was wearing black clothing, had a mask around his neck, and had a gun, according to the police chief.

“We are sure we stopped another killing,” McFadden added.

Also read: Who is Wesley Brownlee?

The suspect has a criminal past, according to McFadden, who added that he was uncertain of the scope of that past or which agencies it included.

The motive behind the killings was not revealed by the police chief.

Who is Stanley McFadden?

Stanley McFadden was appointed on May 24, 2022, by City Manager Harry Black to be the Stockton Police Chief.

“Chief McFadden embodies the qualities and characteristics expressed by everyone involved in the process, which he has demonstrated through extensive experience in diverse positions and assignments and a career in law enforcement that spans three decades,” Black said in a statement. “We welcome him to our community and look forward to working with him in this essential and key leadership position.”

Also read: Serial killer on the loose in Stockton? Cops find pattern in recent murders

McFadden was chosen after a rigorous hiring procedure that kicked off in January and led to his promotion from his previous position as Deputy Chief of the San Jose Police Department.

At a swearing-in ceremony on June 2, McFadden took the oath of office and was given his badge as Stockton Police Chief. He became the city’s 50th and first Black police chief.

According to McFadden, he is dedicated to transparency, accountability, fostering local trust, and cooperating with local organizations.

Also read: Stockton killings: 5 active serial killers in the United States

“I want to share a culture of fair and principled policing which meets the needs of empowerment in the community,” he said. “That includes expanding our partnership with mental health professionals to ensure we get the right resources to people in crisis.” 

Stanley McFadden has been a member of the San Jose Police Department for almost 30 years. He joined the department in 1993.

McFadden was born and raised in the Bay Area, but 20 years ago he relocated to San Joaquin County to raise his children where he thought it would be best for his wife and family.