Authorities looking for driver of stolen vehicle suspected of being involved in shooting
.JPG "Merced Police Department patrol vehicles parked in the department lot in Merced, Calif., on Tuesday, April 12, 2022.")
Authorities are looking for the driver of a stolen vehicle that is believed to be connected to a Stanislaus County shooting.
At about 3:10 a.m. Sunday, the Merced Police Department received a report of a stolen 2017 black Chevrolet Camaro, according to Sgt. Raquel Rios. The vehicle was later located on M Street with the help of the OnStar service and was one of three vehicles reportedly doing burnouts. Rios said the vehicles took off from the location and officers did not engage in pursuit.
Police said the vehicle was later located in Atwater driving recklessly near the Atwater Police Department. The California Highway Patrol pursued the vehicle back to Merced around 5:30 a.m., and Merced Police were informed the vehicle was suspected of being involved in a Turlock shooting. Merced officers attempted to stop the vehicle and pursued it to the area of West Avenue and West Childs Avenue, according to Rios.. Police said the driver fled after exiting the Chevrolet, which rolled into a nearby vehicle.
Merced County Sheriff’s Office K-9 unit deputies responded to assist Merced Police, and a perimeter was established in an attempt to locate the driver of the vehicle. Authorities were not able to locate the driver, and no suspect has been identified or arrested.
Police said the vehicle was processed for evidence and returned to the owner.
Anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to contact Merced Police at 209-385-6912. Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling 209-385-4725.
This story was originally published January 8, 2024 at 12:06 PM.