Man shot after altercation near Los Banos restaurant, police say
A 20-year-old man was shot Thursday in Los Banos, and police believe the violence may be gang-related.
The victim, a Mendota resident who was shot in the arm, was taken by ambulance to an area hospital, Los Banos police said.
“There was some type of altercation or exchange,” Cmdr. Jason Hedden said. “We are looking into the possibility of it being gang-motivated. We aren’t sure if the victim had any gang ties himself, but it sounds like the suspects may have uttered gang slurs.”
The victim initially told police he was stabbed, but medical personnel confirmed the wound was from a small-caliber firearm, police said.
Police received a call reporting the shooting at 11:30 a.m.
Hedden said the victim was in town to visit his girlfriend and for a medical appointment. Hedden said the man was walking in the area of West M Street and Maryland Avenue when he was approached by at least two people, described as Hispanic males in their 20s.
The victim walked to the nearby KFC restaurant in the 700 block of Pacheco Boulevard to find someone who could call for help.
Police searched for evidence on West M Street behind the restaurant. The attackers remained at large Thursday.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Los Banos Police Department at (209) 827-7070, ext. 0. Anonymous tips can also be left at the Police Department’s Web page at www.losbanos.org; on the left of the Police Department page, near the bottom, click on “report graffiti and other crime.” Residents also can contact Merced Area Crime Stoppers at (855) 725-2420 or www.mercedareacrimestoppers.org.
This story was originally published May 29, 2015 at 10:40 AM with the headline "Man shot after altercation near Los Banos restaurant, police say."