Man arrested and cited after admitting to shooting gun, Merced police say

Authorities said a man was arrested and cited after he admitted to discharging a firearm.

The Merced Police Department said officers were dispatched to a call of a man with a firearm making threats in the 300 block of West Sixth Street just after 8 p.m. Friday.

Officers made contact with Reginald Lane, who the firearm was registered to. Police also discovered that Lane had a concealed carry permit.

According to police, Lane told officers he was upset that he was not being allowed into a hospital to visit a relative due to COVID-19 restrictions. He made statements about not being allowed in and that he was armed, but no threats had actually been made, police said.

Police said a sergeant on the scene was speaking over the phone about an incident involving possible shots fired when Lane overheard the conversation and told police “you got me,” according to a news release.

Police said Lane, 60, confessed to firing his weapon and shooting at the Merced County Fairgrounds in frustration due to not being allowed entry to the hospital.

Neighbors who heard the shots contacted officers and Lane led authorities to spent shell casings. The gun was taken as evidence and Lane was arrested and cited on suspicion of negligent discharge of a firearm, according to police.

Merced police ask anyone with information regarding the alleged crime to contact Officer Chavez at 209-388-7713 or by email at chaveze@cityofmerced.org.