Shooting at birthday party leads to Merced man's arrest

A birthday party for a 25-year-old Merced man ended with a bang -- and his arrest.

Brandon Haggar was arrested by Merced police on charges of aggravated assault with a firearm, criminal threats and felony possession of a handgun Thursday at 10:20 p.m. in the 400 block of Tucolay Court.

Police arrived at the party after receiving reports about an argument that had unraveled into a shooting, said Merced police Lt. Andre Matthews.

Police said partygoers were arguing about how Haggar shot at a guest, 28-year old Deandre Scandrick, while standing in front of the house.

Haggar, who had been drinking, allegedly aimed his .22-caliber gun at Scandrick, fired and missed.

Haggar then fled to the back of the house and threw the weapon into a neighbor's backyard, police said.

When police found Haggar, he denied being involved, but witnesses stated that he did shoot at Scandrick, Matthews said.

Police later found the gun in the neighbor's yard, which was reported as stolen and still loaded with shells.

Haggar was booked into Merced County Jail.

-- Jamie Oppenheim