Authorities identify suspects injured in Merced County deputy-involved shooting
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- Sheriff’s deputies arrested three Le Grand suspects after a reported home invasion.
- Deputy exchanged gunfire; two suspects were struck, and all three went into custody.
- Investigators and the district attorney probe deputy-involved shooting; deputy on leave.
Authorities have identified suspects in a home invasion, including two injured in a Merced County deputy-involved shooting earlier this month.
Sheriff’s deputies arrived at an apartment complex in the 3800 block of Washington Street in Le Grand shortly after 2 a.m. on Oct. 16 for a report of a home invasion, according to Deputy Alexandra Britton. Authorities said that as the deputy made their way to the second floor of the complex, they encountered several suspects allegedly armed with a firearm.
The suspects are accused of shooting at the deputy, who reportedly returned fire, ultimately striking two of the suspects. Authorities have identified the suspects as Roman Naranjo, 35, Nehemiah Urquizo, 22, and Julian Urquizo, 20, all of Le Grand.
Authorities said Nehemiah Urquizo and Julian Urquizo were injured in the shooting. Naranjo, who was not injured, was arrested and booked into Merced County Jail on suspicion of felony burglary, firearm use, robbery, first degree home invasion, attempt to prevent witness/victim conspiracy and multiple enhancements, according to the jail records. He remains in custody in lieu of $200,000 bond.
Both Nehemiah Urquizo and Julian Urquizo were arrested and taken to an area hospital for treatment of injuries. Britton said both of the suspects have been released from the hospital and are currently in Merced County Jail custody.
Nehemiah Urquizo was booked into jail on suspicion of felony attempted murder, first degree robbery, participating in criminal street gang, conspiracy to commit a crime, child endangerment, attempt to prevent witness/victim conspiracy as well as an enhancement, jail records show.
Julian Urquizo was arrested and charged with suspicion of felony first degree robbery, burglary, firearm use, attempt to prevent witness/victim conspiracy and enhancements, according to jail records. Julian and Nehemiah Urquizo remain in custody in lieu of $200,000 bond.
The sheriff’s office has not released the name of the deputy involved in the shooting and said it would not comment on exactly how long the deputy has been with the law enforcement agency. The sheriff’s office also refused to say exactly how many rounds were fired during the exchange of gunfire.
The deputy-involved shooting remains under investigation by sheriff’s office detectives, as well as the Merced County District Attorney’s Office. Britton said the deputy involved in the shooting incident is currently on paid administrative leave.
Neither the deputy nor civilians were injured in the incident. Authorities ask anyone with information regarding the incident to contact the Merced County Sheriff’s Office at 209-385-7445.