Man hospitalized after Highway 99 shooting near Merced, CHP says

Authorities are investigating a shooting on Highway 99 that sent one person to the hospital, according to the California Highway Patrol.

Officers responded to the area of southbound Highway 99 just north of Merced at about 2:12 a.m. Thursday, according to CHP Officer Eric Zuniga.

Authorities said an adult male believed to be a passenger in the vehicle, was struck by gunfire that reportedly came from another vehicle.

Zuniga said the driver and passengers pulled into the Walmart of West Olive Avenue, where Merced police responded and located the victim.

The man struck by gunfire was taken by helicopter to a Modesto area hospital and is believed to be in critical condition, according to the CHP.

According to Zuniga the shooting is still under investigation and no suspects have been identified at this time.