The man was taken to Emanuel Medical Center in Turlock following the 10 p.m. shooting in the 16000 block of August Avenue in Delhi. He later was transferred to a Modesto hospital, according to Deputy James Weaver.
Weaver would not identify the shooting victim, who received a fractured skull but was alert and talking.
He said the man, driving a Jeep Grand Cherokee with three passengers, pulled over on August Avenue to pick up a dropped cell phone when another vehicle, with two people inside, pulled in behind them.
Up to six shots were fired at the car with an unknown type weapon, including one which apparently ricocheted through the rear window and lost some of its momentum before striking the driver. No one else in the car was injured, Weaver said.
Deputies want to interview several people in connection with the shooting. It is possible the confrontation is gang-related but Weaver said he isn't sure of that possibility or what the shooting motive might be. The vehicle will be examined for evidence in connection with the shooting.
