Merced police looking for suspect in drive-by shooting

An 18-year-old man was shot in his leg Thursday night while walking near Conestoga Drive and Austin Avenue.

The victim police that the driver of a dark green compact car shot him in the leg and sped away on Conestoga around 8 p.m. He got as far as West Olive Avenue, then collapsed on the sidewalk.

The man was treated by emergency workers and taken to Mercy Medical Center Merced. Police haven't decided whether the shooting was random or gang-related.

Anyone with information can call detective Keith Pelowski at (209) 385-4712 or the anonymous tip line at (209) 385-4725.