Man injured in Merced County deputy-involved shooting after allegedly crashing into patrol cars

A man accused of attempting to flee deputies and driving a vehicle into Merced County Sheriff Office patrol vehicles, is in stable condition following a deputy-involved shooting in Merced County.

The Merced County Sheriff’s Office said the shooting occurred Saturday after deputies responded to a report of a suspicious vehicle about 8:30 p.m.. According to sheriff’s office officials, the driver of the vehicle, identified as Juan Ibarra Rosales, fled when deputies located the vehicle and attempted to perform a traffic stop. Deputies pursued the vehicle through the Merced County community of Delhi.

Officials said the vehicle Rosales was driving collided with various other vehicles throughout the chase near Stephens Street and Schendel Avenue, Rosales allegedly drove the vehicle into Merced County Sheriff patrol vehicles resulting in four deputies discharging their service weapons and ultimately striking Rosales one time. Sheriff office officials said it is unknown how many rounds were fired during the incident and investigators are working to gather body camera footage as well as witness statements.

The vehicle Rosales was driving reportedly crashed and he was taken to a local hospital for treatment of his injuries. Rosales remains under the care of medical professionals and has not been booked into jail.

The sheriff’s office said the four deputies involved in the shooting are currently on regularly schedules days off and it is unclear if they will be placed on leave during the investigation.

There were no reports of injuries to sheriff deputies and the incident remains under investigation by the Merced County Sheriff’s Office Investigations Bureau as well as the Merced County District Attorney’s Office. Anyone with information regarding the incident can contact the Merced County Sheriff’s Office Investigations Bureau at 209-385-7472.

This story was originally published February 4, 2025 at 6:00 AM.