Three accused of shooting at house in Atwater

Atwater police say they've apprehended three men suspected in a gang-related shooting on High Street last month.

No one was hurt in the shooting, reported 3:10 a.m. Aug. 27 at a residence in the 1300 block of High Street. The shooters fired two shots, striking a vehicle parked outside and the exterior of the home, according to Detective Armando Echevarria, Atwater police spokesman.

The investigation into the shooting led police to identify 19-year-old Juan Dominguez of Atwater as a suspect. Detective Adolfo Lomeli contacted Dominguez and took him into custody Tuesday.

Further investigation led detectives to Beachwood resident Jose Sandoval, 18, and Edgar Deltoro of Merced. Detective Lomeli obtained search and arrest warrants for both men.

The warrants were served Wednesday by Atwater police, with assistance from the department's street crimes unit and the Merced Multi-Agency Gang Task Force. Sandoval was arrested at his residence in the 2300 block of Beachwood Drive, while Deltoro was arrested at his residence in the 2700 block of Sixth Avenue.

Police discovered a small amount of methamphetamine and marijuana, scales and additional evidence of drug sales at Sandoval's residence.

Detective Lomeli obtained statements from all three suspects which implicated them in the shooting. Police said the shooting was sparked because the victims and suspects belonged to rival gangs.

Dominguez and Deltoro were booked into the Merced County Jail on suspicion of shooting into an inhabited dwelling and conspiracy with a gang enhancement. Sandoval was booked on those charges in addition to possession of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance for sale and possession of less than an ounce of marijuana.

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