Drive-by shooting kills son, injures father; Los Banos teens arrested

A 21-year-old man is dead after a drive-by shooting Saturday afternoon in Dos Palos, the Merced County Sheriff's Department reported.

The victim has been identified as Tommy Henson. Henson's 50-year-old father was injured in the shooting, according to Deputy Tom MacKenzie, sheriff's spokesman.

Two suspects, 19-year-old Sanson Andrade of Los Banos and a 15-year-old boy, are in custody.

The shooting was reported around 12:30 p.m. at a home located in the 1200 block of Frank Avenue. Several people were outside, sitting on a porch when a dark Mercedes drove by several times. After the car stopped, the occupants got out and began shooting at those gathered on the porch, MacKenzie said.

Detectives said there were at least two people in the car.

Tommy Henson was struck in the chest, while his father was struck in the leg. Both were taken to Memorial Hospital Los Banos by ambulance. Henson was pronounced dead later Saturday. The father is expected to recover.

The suspects were captured by Los Banos police after a "be on the lookout" bulletin was issued for the vehicle by law enforcement, MacKenzie said. Police stopped the suspects' black Mercedes at Badger Flats Road. They were turned over to sheriff's detectives for interviews.

The sheriff's department is leading the homicide investigation at the request of Dos Palos police.

The shooting is believed to be gang related and statements made by the suspects indicate they went to Dos Palos searching for rival gang members. MacKenzie said it's unknown whether the victim was involved in gang activity.

Andrade was booked into Merced County Jail, while the 15-year-old was booked into juvenile hall. The pair are being held on suspicion of murder and attempted murder with gang enhancements.

Detectives are asking anyone with information about the shooting to call the sheriff's Major Crimes Unit at (209) 385-7472. Calls are kept confidential and you can remain anonymous.

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