A 24-year old Merced man was shot in the ankle during a drive-by shooting late Thursday night as he was taking out the trash at his apartment complex.

The man was in stable condition when paramedics arrived, and he was taken to a local hospital for treatment.

The car sped away before police arrived and headed east on West Bear Creek Drive, the victim told police. The shooter is still at large.

Merced police are asking anyone with any information to contact Lt. Jim Gurden at (209) 384-4186 or the Tip Line at (209) 385-4725.

-- Jamie Oppenheim