Two suspected gang members arrested in Merced County, deputies say

Two men were arrested in Delhi this week in connection with an alleged gang-related assault, the Merced County Sheriff’s Office said Thursday.

Detectives and agents with the Merced Area Gang and Narcotics Enforcement Team served two search warrants about 6 a.m. Tuesday in Delhi related to a gang-related assault from July 25, according to the Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies arrested 23-year-old Joshua Rietz and 31-year-old Fabian Lizarraga Guzman, who were both described as gang members, according to the Sheriff’s Office. Both were wanted in relation to the assault.

A shotgun and ammunition were also confiscated during the searches, according to deputies.

Both men are in custody at the Merced County Jail on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon and other charges including gang enhancements, deputies said.

Rietz is held on $160,000 bail, and Lizarraga Guzman on $310,000, according to jail records.