Merced police: Suspect who robbed woman believed to be person who shot a man earlier in week

Authorities are looking for a man who reportedly robbed a woman in Merced on Wednesday and is believed to be the same person who shot another man earlier in the week.

According to Merced police Lt. Emily Foster, detectives are investigating after a robbery was reported in the 1800 block of East South Bear Creek Drive about 9:29 p.m. Wednesday. A woman reportedly had arrived home when a man approached her and forcibly took her purse, Foster said.

Police said the woman was not injured and the suspect was described as a man with dark curly hair.

According to Foster, police believe the suspect in Wednesday’s robbery is the same one who allegedly shot a 57-year-old man while attempting to steal the victim’s bicycle before fleeing the area of west 28th Street near H Street on Tuesday afternoon.

Tuesday’s incident caused Burbank Elementary School to be placed on lockdown for about a half-hour as a precaution while police searched. Ada Givens Elementary, John Muir Elementary and Hoover Middle School also were locked down for less than 10 minutes.

Officers said they found a gun in Bear Creek.

Police ask anyone in the area of Bear Creek who may have seen the suspect or have video surveillance that may have recorded the person in the area to contact Det. Pinnegar at 209-388-7712 or by email at pinnegarj@cityofmerced.org.

Some crimes can be reported through the Merced Police Department website and anonymous tips can be submitted by calling 209-385-4725.

Anonymous tips can also be submitted to law enforcement through the Merced Area Crime Stoppers website.