Atwater man jailed after attempt to rob, shoot ice cream vendor in Merced

Merced police arrested an Atwater man Thursday suspected of trying to rob and shoot an ice cream vendor near Ninth and Canal streets.

A 47-year-old man selling ice cream near McNamara Park reported that someone confronted him and demanded money. The robber pulled out a handgun, pressed it to the victim’s stomach and pulled the trigger, but the handgun didn’t fire, Merced police said. The incident was reported at 7:51 p.m.

Witnesses called Merced police and described the incident, saying the robber fled in a black car. Witnesses provided a partial license-plate number, police said.

Police found the car in the 1500 block of R Street. They found Jesus Gonzales, 20, with a loaded 9-mm handgun and ammunition. Gonzales was taken into custody without incident, police said.

Gonzales was booked into Merced County Jail on suspicion of attempted murder, possession of a loaded gun with intent to commit a felony, attempted robbery and assault with a deadly weapon. Gonzales has previous misdemeanors, including DUI and carrying a concealed weapon. He was being held on $635,000 bail.

Police expressed their gratitude to the witnesses who provided information. The investigation was ongoing.

This story was originally published August 14, 2015 at 9:16 AM with the headline "Atwater man jailed after attempt to rob, shoot ice cream vendor in Merced."