A 30-year-old wanted parolee remains at large after Merced police pursued him Saturday night into south Stanislaus County.

During the incident, a Merced police officer discharged his firearm, although no injuries were reported for officers or the suspect, according to Sgt. Anthony Bejaran, public information officer for the Stanislaus County Sheriff's Department.

Bejaran said his agency is handling the officer-involved shooting portion of the investigation because it happened in Stanislaus County. Bejaran identified the suspect as Richard Castillo, 30, of Merced.

Castillo is wanted on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon, Bejaran said.

The pursuit began after 7 p.m. Saturday on the south side of Merced. Officers saw Castillo driving through stop signs, authorities said. Officers attempted to stop him, but Castillo refused to pull over, according to Lt. Tom Trindad of the Merced Police Department.

The pursuit continued on Highway 140 toward Gustine. Merced County deputies, along with the California Highway Patrol, were involved in the pursuit.

Details about what happened after the pursuit remain unclear. The chase led to the area of Highway 140 and Interstate 5, just west of Gustine. Bejaran on Sunday said his department wasn't releasing details about the officer-involved shooting or the officer's name.

Bejaran said Castillo escaped on foot after the pursuit.

Police are asking anyone with information about Castillo's whereabouts to call Sgt. Scott Skinner at (209) 385-4702 or the department's automated tip line at (209) 385-4725. Residents can text tips to TIP411 (847411) using "comvip" as the first word in the message.

City Editor Victor A. Patton can be reached at (209) 385-2431 or vpatton@mercedsunstar.com.