Merced police investigate two shootings, arrest two

Merced police are investigating two unrelated shootings reported Thursday night.

The most recent shooting was reported at 11:03 p.m. in the area of West Main and I streets, according to a Merced police press release.

A 40-year-old man reported that a man and woman wearing dark clothing fired a gun at him. The victim was not hit.

Police located the suspects, identified as Silviano Haro, 19, and Amber Avaloz, 20, in the area of West Main and K streets. Police recovered a loaded semi-automatic pistol as evidence.

Haro admitted to police that he had argued with the victim and fired the gun. Both Haro and Avaloz were booked at the Merced County jail on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon, criminal threats and conspiracy. Haro was also booked on suspicion of carrying a loaded firearm with prior felony convictions and prohibited possession of firearm by terms of probation.

The other shooting was reported about 9:30 p.m. in the 2100 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Way.

Details are still preliminary. Police responded to the scene on the west side of Martin Luther King Jr. Way, according to Sgt. Robert Solis.

Officers found a 17-year-old girl who had been shot in the chin and cheek area. A 17-year-old boy was shot at least once in the upper body.

Both victims were conscious and alert when law enforcement arrived at the scene, but could not provide officers with much information.

The circumstances of the shooting remain under investigation. It’s unknown whether the shooter was on foot or in a car, or whether the shooting took place in a residence or on the street.

Police believe the crime is gang-related.

Few details are available about the shooter. He’s been described only as a man dressed in dark clothing.

This story was originally published February 20, 2015 at 8:04 AM with the headline "Merced police investigate two shootings, arrest two."