Merced man shot twice inside apartment

Merced police are investigating a shooting in the 600 block of West 6th Street that happened around 4:30 p.m. this afternoon, according to Sgt. Alan Ward.

A 39-year-old Merced man suffered from two gunshot wounds — one to the hand and another to the upper torso, Ward said.

Although the victim’s injuries are not considered life-threatening, he’ll be flown to a Modesto-area hospital because of the internal gunshot wound, authorities said.

Details are pending and officers are currently questioning family members, who they say haven’t been cooperative in the investigation.

Officers believe the shooting took place inside the victim's apartment, but the assailant fled the scene before police arrived.

-- Ramona Giwargis