Man, 21, shooting suspect, arrested at traffic stop

A 21-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of being involved in a shooting Sunday night in Merced.

Angel Louis Nava was arrested during a traffic stop around 8 a.m. Monday in the 2400 block of East Gerard Avenue.

He was taken into custody without incident after officers pulled over the 2003 Honda Accord he was driving, said detective Joe Deliman of the Merced Police Department.

Police believe Nava was involved in the shooting of a 40-year-old male pedestrian shortly before 7 p.m. Sunday in the 700 block of Motel Drive.

Deliman declined comment on a possible motive for the shooting.

Deliman didn't reveal whether Nava is the actual shooter, although police believe he was a participant in the crime.

The victim told officers he was walking when he was approached by a gunman, who opened fire, hitting him in the upper arm.

After being shot, the victim fled on foot into the lobby of a nearby hotel, asking for help.

The shooter and another man fled in a dark colored car. Police said the victim was treated by paramedics and is expected to survive.

Nava was booked into the Merced County Jail on suspicion of attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon, active participation in a criminal street gang, being a felon in possession of firearm and ammunition.

He's being held without bail.

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