Police identify suspect in Merced felony hit-and-run incident that injured 2 pedestrians
The Merced Police Department has released the name of the suspect who was arrested on two counts of attempted homicide after he allegedly injured two elderly pedestrians in a felony hit-and-run incident on Thursday in front of Chenoweth Elementary School in Merced.
Officers arrested 24-year old Julian Vitoria on Thursday.
Officers responded to the 3200 block of Parsons Ave for a vehicle vs. pedestrian accident at 12:37 p.m.
The victims, a man and a woman believed to be in their 80s, were rushed to Mercy Medical Center with “moderate to serious” injuries. The man was later flown to a Modesto area hospital, according to Lt. Emily Foster.
Officers secured video surveillance footage from Chenoweth School, which aided officers in the search for the vehicle and suspect. After reviewing the footage, traffic officers determined the collision was intentional, according to a news release by the Merced Police Department.
Deputies from the Merced County Sheriff’s Office located the involved vehicle through a countywide broadcast that included a description of the vehicle.
Vitoria was detained and turned over to Merced police detectives.
A motive for the alleged assault is unknown at this time, according to police.
Vitoria was arrested for attempted homicide and booked into custody at the Merced County Jail.
Merced police are asking anyone with any information regarding this incident to contact Detective Odom at 209-388-7814 or by email at odoms@cityofmerced.org.
This story was originally published October 8, 2021 at 4:20 PM.
