Wanted Merced County manslaughter suspect arrested in Washington, Sheriff’s Office says

A suspect wanted on suspicion of voluntary manslaughter in Merced County has been arrested in Washington, according to authorities.

The Merced County Sheriff’s Office said it received notification Tuesday that Luis Gerardo Sandoval, 38, of Merced, was arrested by the Pasco Police Department on a Merced County warrant. According to Deputy Daryl Allen, the arrest occurred at about 11:30 a.m. at a Pasco residence.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, on Oct. 9 the Investigations Bureau was notified by Memorial Medical Center in Modesto that Atwater resident Efren Ortez, 46, had died of injuries sustained in an altercation.

Authorities said the altercation, which was not initially reported to the Sheriff’s Office, occurred on Oct. 3 in the 3000 block of Gurr Road in Atwater. After learning of the alleged crime, investigators identified Sandoval as the suspect who assaulted Ortez, according to a Sheriff’s Office news release.

Allen said authorities do not believe a weapon was used in the assault.

Sandoval fled the scene and a warrant was issued for his arrest by the Merced County District Attorneys Office.

During an investigation, the Major Crimes Unit learned that Sandoval may have been hiding in Washington and detectives contacted the Pasco Police Department for assistance after learning of his location, according to the Sheriff’s Office.