17-year-old is shot and airlifted; suspect sought

A juvenile was airlifted to a Modesto hospital Thursday night after being shot by an unknown suspect in Atwater.

The 17-year-old's condition is unknown at this time, said Atwater police detective Armando Echevarria.

The incident, which is suspected to be gang-related, took place in the 2800 block of Secretariat Drive, according to police.

Witnesses said they saw a dark or gray Honda leaving the area following the shooting, police said.

This case is currently under investigation and anyone with information about the incident is asked to call detective Adolfo Lomeli at (209) 357-6387 or the Atwater Police Department tip line at (209) 357-6390.

Reporter Jamie Oppenheim can be reached at (209)385-2907 or joppenheim@mercedsun-star.com.