No one hurt in Atwater shooting

ATWATER -- No one was injured in a shooting early Sunday in the 2900 block of Secretariat Drive.

Lt. Sammy Joseph of the Atwater Police Department said shots were fired at the victim's car about 4 a.m. and hit it several times. Six .45-caliber casings were found at the scene.

The shooting appeared to have been gang-related because there are documented gang members living in a house near the scene, Joseph said. It's unclear how many people were involved or if they shot from a car or on foot.

Detectives are investigating, Joseph said, and details are preliminary.

"The officers are concerned about escalating gang violence in that area," he said.

Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Bill Richards at (209) 357-6387.

Reporter Mike North can be reached at (209) 385-2453 or mnorth@mercedsunstar.com.