Merced police track homicide suspect to rural home, then catch him after short pursuit

A suspect has been arrested in connection with a Merced homicide investigation, police said.

Francisco Juan Alvarez, 33, of Merced, a suspected Norteno gang member, was arrested Wednesday in connection with the Monday shooting, according to a news release. It’s the fifth homicide in Merced County this year, authorities said.

According to police, investigators tracked Alvarez to a home southwest of Livingston on Wednesday. Police said Alvarez left the home in a vehicle and fled from police as they attempted a traffic stop.

After a short pursuit, Alvarez drove off the roadway and attempted to run from officers on foot in the area of Howard Road and Longview Avenue where he was caught, Sgt. Rey Alvarez said.

Francisco Alvarez was booked into Merced County jail on suspicion of murder and gang enhancements, police said. He is the only suspect in the shooting.

Police have not released the name or age of the victim, described only as an adult male. It is unclear if the suspect knew the victim and police are still trying to determine a motive for the shooting, Sgt. Alvarez said.

The shooting happened just after midnight Monday in the 900 block of West 19th Street. Police said officers found the victim there and rushed him to a hospital, where he died.

Witness statements and surveillance video from nearby businesses and homes helped identify Francisco Alvarez as the suspect, Sgt. Alvarez said.

Merced police ask anyone with information about the case to contact Detective Kalvin Haygood at 209-388-6998 or the Merced Police Department Tipster Line at 209-385-4725, or send information via anonymous text message to police by dialing “TIP411” (847411) and including the word “Comvip” as the “keyword” in the text message.