Road rage allegedly at root of Merced shooting that sent victim to hospital, police say
Road rage is allegedly behind a shooting that happened Friday around 3 p.m. in Merced, police say.
The shooting took place near the intersection of Childs and Carol avenues just off Highway 99.
One male victim suffered multiple gunshot wounds to his torso, from bullets fired from a handgun, Lt. Joe Weiss said. The victim was treated by first responders and was flown to a Modesto-area hospital.
The victim is in critical condition, according to police. The suspect was identified as Uriel Barragan-Munguia 39, according to Merced police.
Prior to the shooting, Barragan-Munguia was allegedly in a domestic violence dispute near Weaver Elementary School, Merced Police say.
Weiss said police believe the shooting victim was unrelated to the domestic violence incident, but was shot soon after the incident happened.
Barragan-Munguia was located by police in south Merced following the shooting, police said.
Barragan-Munguia then led authorities on a northbound chase on Highway 99 before exiting the freeway near downtown Modesto. The suspect’s truck stopped on Pelton Avenue and authorities took Barragan-Munguia into custody, police say.
Police said a firearm was found inside the suspect vehicle.
California Highway Patrol and the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office aided Merced police in the pursuit.
“We’re very thankful for their assistance,” Weiss said.
Police are still investigating at multiple crime scenes.
This story was originally published March 6, 2020 at 5:10 PM.
