One man arrested in connection with double homicide in Merced County

A 22-year-old Planada man has been arrested in connection with a gang shootout earlier this year that left two people dead.

Juan Ceja-Prado was described by investigators as the "main suspect" in the Feb. 1 gun battle outside a popular taco truck on Highway 140 in Planada. Diego Gallardo, 22, and Pedro Luna, 27, were eating when authorities said rival gang members opened fire. At least one person was believed to have returned fire during the attack, investigators said.

Gallardo and Luna were killed. A third man also was shot but survived.

Investigators have not commented on any evidence in the case.

Ceja-Prado was arrested Wednesday when he made his regularly scheduled report to his probation officer, deputies said in a news release.

According to Merced County Superior Court records, Ceja-Prado was placed on probation and ordered to serve a year behind bars in 2016 after pleading no contest to illegally carrying a concealed weapon and criminal street gang participation.

The deadly violence prompted a march and candlelight vigil that same week with residents of the community with fewer than 5,000 calling for peace while speaking out against gang violence, a problem they said has plagued the community for years.

In a statement issued Friday, Merced County Sheriff Vern Warnke praised the community for cooperating with law enforcement, which he said has helped lower gang-related violence in recent years.

"With the community and sheriff’s office working together, we have been able to take criminals like Ceja-Prado off the streets and in return, the crime in Planada has decreased significantly," Warnke said in the statement.

Deputies said reported crime in Planada has fallen 80 percent since 2016, with notable decreases in gun violence and assaults.

This story was originally published June 22, 2018 at 11:45 AM with the headline "One man arrested in connection with double homicide in Merced County."