Shots fired behind Merced restaurant. Suspect sought.

Gunshots were fired Monday afternoon in an alleyway behind a fast-food restaurant near downtown Merced, the Police Department confirmed.

No injuries were reported and no property was damaged, Sgt. Tony Aponte said.

Police were called at 2:17 p.m. to an alleyway behind a sandwich shop in a strip mall at the corner of 16th and G streets.

The shooter, described only as a Hispanic male, fired multiple shots in the air and left the area on foot. A description of the shooter was not available Monday. Aponte described the shooting as possibly "warning shots."

Investigators have not ruled out the possibility of a street-gang motive for the shooting.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Merced Police Department at 209-385-6905. Tips are confidential and callers may remain anonymous.

This story was originally published January 22, 2018 at 3:35 PM with the headline "Shots fired behind Merced restaurant. Suspect sought.."