Man shot in neck at Atwater trailer park

A 29-year-old Atwater man was shot Thursday under circumstances that remain unclear, the Atwater Police Department reported.

The victim was shot in the neck around 8:15 p.m. in the 2300 block of Atwater Boulevard in the area of Camellia Park Mobile Homes, Lt. Samuel Joseph told the Merced Sun-Star.

He was taken to a regional hospital with injuries described as serious but not life-threatening.

No arrests have been made. No suspect descriptions were available Friday.

Officers spoke with several people who said two men were involved in a gunbattle on Olive Avenue, north of the trailer park in Atwater. All witnesses indicated that there were numerous shots fired by both parties, police said.

Investigators found evidence of numerous shots fired in the area and said at least one vehicle and one apartment were struck. However, officers said, it was not clear if there was some type of gunbattle or whether the victim was the intended target of an attack.

Joseph said investigators have not ruled out the possibility of gang involvement.

The victim told police he was visiting friends in the area and was shot as he was leaving a home. He told police he did not see the shooter. He said he heard gunfire, saw “a flash” in the dark and was struck in the neck, officers said.

The man was given a ride to his apartment a short distance away. Police found the victim at his home, bleeding from his neck.

Police are asking for the public’s help locating the suspect or suspects.

This story was originally published October 31, 2014 at 1:18 PM with the headline "Man shot in neck at Atwater trailer park."