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Thursday, Nov. 19, 2009
UPDATE: Man accused of firing shots near Charles Wright School
One man has been booked on suspicion of firing a gun near Charles Wright Elementary School on Wednesday, Merced police reported.
Daniel Torres, 24, is facing 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. As a result, he's also being held on suspicion of aggravated assault charge, Matthews said.
A second man who was detained in the case, 36-year-old Jason Musquiz, has been released without charges.
Merced Sun-Star - SUN-STAR PHOTO BY MARCI STENBERG Merced Police Officer leaves a house where shots were reportedly fired, after everything was cleared by the SWAT Team, Wednesday, November 18, 2009 evening.
Merced Sun-Star - SUN-STAR PHOTO BY MARCI STENBERG Charles Wright Elementary School employees, principal, Jose Munoz, left, vice principal nancy Barber, Greg Spicer, Mary Mussotto and not pictured Rose Mary Duran, talk with the news media after everything was clear and lock down was lifted, Wednesday, November 18, 2009 evening.
Merced Sun-Star - SUN-STAR PHOTO BY MARCI STENBERG Merced Police SWAT team return from a house in the 900 block after shots were fired in that vicintiy. They checked the house and surroundings to make sure the area was cleared before releasing Charles Wright Elementary School employees that were on lock down, Wednesday, November 18, 2009 evening.
Still, Matthews said there are many witnesses in the case who 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 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 exited 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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