Police investigating after juvenile shot and killed in Merced

Merced police are investigating the death of a teenager who was shot and killed Monday.

Officers responded to the 1800 block of West North Bear Creek Drive after receiving a call about an unresponsive male at about 5:50 a.m., according to the Merced Police Department. According to Sgt. Jeremy Salyers, the arriving officers located the male lying on a sidewalk suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Salyers said the victim is believed to be a 15-year-old Merced resident.

Salyers said it appears the victim was walking in the area at the time of the shooting and it is unknown if any type of altercation occurred.

Authorities said a possible motive for the shooting remains unclear at this time and no suspects have been identified or arrested.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Merced Police Detective Edwin Arias at 209-388-7826 or by email at ariase@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.