tool name

Monday, Nov. 02, 2009

15-year-old girl injured during drive-by shooting

Two teens are in custody on suspicion of injuring a 15-year-old girl during a drive-by shooting Sunday night.

The shooting, which is believed to be gang-related, was reported shortly after 8 p.m. in the 2700 block of 6th Avenue. Merced police responded after receiving several 911 calls from residents who heard gunshots. Officers arrived and found the girl with non-life-threatening gunshot wounds, according to Lt. Matt Williams.

She was flown to a Modesto hospital.

During the follow-up investigation, detectives and members of the department's Gang Violence Suppression Unit learned that a maroon Ford Expedition was involved in the shooting, Williams said.

A 17-year-old male juvenile was identified as a suspect and arrested. In addition, the Gang Violence Suppression Unit and officers from the patrol division served a search warrant in the 400 block of West 25th Street and arrested a second suspect, 19-year-old Raul Shawn Orellano. The Ford Expedition allegedly used in the shooting and a handgun were recovered at the 25th Street address, Williams said.

The juvenile was booked into Juvenile Hall on suspicion of aggravated assault with a firearm. Orellano was booked into the Merced County Jail on suspicion of aggravated assault. The victim was treated and released from the hospital.

Reporter Victor A. Patton can be reached at (209) 385-2431 or vpatton@mercedsun-star.com.