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Friday, Nov. 20, 2009
Merced man, suspected of firing gun near school, admits to July stabbing
One man has been booked on suspicion of firing a gun Wednesday near Charles Wright Elementary School, Merced police reported.
Daniel Torres, 24, faces a felony charge of negligent discharge of a firearm, according to Lt. Andre Matthews, Merced police spokesman. During questioning, Torres also confessed to committing a stabbing in July.
Torres stabbed the victim during a fight, Matthews said. As a result, he's also being held on a suspicion of aggravated assault charge, Matthews said. The victim recovered from the stab wound.
Torres
A second man who was detained in the case, 36-year-old Jason Musquiz, has been released without charges.
Matthews said there are many witnesses in the case who still haven't contacted police. Police are asking anyone with information to call Sgt. Scott Skinner at (209) 385-4702 or the department's tip line at (209) 385-4725. Callers can remain anonymous.
The shooting was reported at 3:45 p.m. Wednesday on East 20th Street, across the street from the school. No one was hurt during the incident.
An officer heard gunshots, and a neighbor directed police to a home in the 900 block of East 20th Street, Matthews said. As police arrived at the scene, Torres left the home. He denied knowing anything about the shots, but was detained at the scene, Matthews said.
Police said Musquiz fled on foot through the back of the home into neighboring backyards. Police surrounded the area and detained Musquiz.
The department's SWAT team was called to the scene as investigators blocked off the roadway near Glen Avenue and East 20th Street, searching the area for clues and evidence. A shotgun was found on the premises of the home, Matthews said.
When the shooting was reported, about 100 students and 20 staff were attending an after-school event at the school. The school was locked down for about four hours and students and staff were evacuated, according to Jose Munoz, the school's principal.
Parents with children at the school were notified about the incident by the district's phone system.
Reporter Victor A. Patton can be reached at (209) 385-2413 or vpatton@mercedsun-star.com.
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