Tear gas used on suspect in Madera random gunfire incident

An incident that began earlier this week with shots fired in Merced County ended Thursday in Madera County when deputies used tear gas to force a man out of his home.

Rodrigo Vecerra Fernandez, 26, was arrested on suspicion of negligently discharging a firearm and making criminal threats, and on a prior warrant for possession of an illegal assault weapon and a probation violation, the Madera County Sheriff’s Department said in a news release.

The incident apparently began around 9 p.m. Wednesday outside a home in the area of Highway 152 and Highway 59.

Deputies said Fernandez apparently fired several shots outside the home during some type of domestic dispute. Further details could not be immediately be confirmed.

Merced County sheriff’s deputies responded to the scene, but Fernandez had fled. Deputies tracked him to his home, near the Red Top Market on Highway 152 and Road Four in Madera County, according to a statement from law enforcement.

“When deputies arrived, they were able to persuade four male occupants of the house to come out, but the wanted man remained inside,” Madera County spokesman Bill Ward said in the release.

“After several hours of trying to establish communication had failed, tear gas was launched into the residence,” Ward said. “A short time later the suspect walked out of the residence and was then taken into custody. No one was injured during this incident.”

Deputies from both sheriff’s departments were assisted by the Madera Police Department, Chowchilla Police Department, California Highway Patrol and Pistoresi Ambulance Service.

Fernandez remained in custody Friday at the John Latorraca Correctional Facility in Merced County on more than $500,000 bail, according to booking records.

This story was originally published March 13, 2015 at 9:24 AM with the headline "Tear gas used on suspect in Madera random gunfire incident."