Teenager killed in Merced shooting, police say

The Merced Police Department said a teenager is dead after being struck by gunfire in a shooting Tuesday.

Officers responded to the shots fired call in the 200 block of West 20th street at about 11:09 p.m., according to a news release.

Police said arriving officers located the male victim lying in an alley in the 200 block of West 18th Street.

Officers performed CPR on the teenager until Merced City Fire and Riggs Ambulance Service personnel arrived on scene, according to police.

Police said the victim was pronounced dead at the scene.

According to police, reports indicate a group of juveniles were hanging out in an apartment complex when an unknown suspect or suspects, walked up and started shooting.

According to Capt. Jay Struble, the initial call to police reported about 15 to 20 shots heard in the area and investigators located shell casings and evidence consistent with the report.

Police said the investigation indicates the shooting may be gang related. No suspects have been identified, according to police.

Struble said authorities were out canvassing the area Wednesday, looking for additional evidence such as anything that may have been captured on home surveillance systems.

Anyone who believes their camera system may have captured something, no matter how small it might be, is asked to contact the police department, according to Struble.

This is the first recorded homicide in the City of Merced in 2020, according to Struble.

Merced police ask anyone with information regarding this alleged crime to contact Det. Pinnegar at 209-388-7712 or the Merced Police Department Tipster Line at 209-385-4725.

The public can send information to police via anonymous text message by dialing “TIP411” (847411) and including the word “Comvip” as the “keyword” in the message, according to police.

This story was originally published April 8, 2020 at 9:59 AM.