Teenager shot in gang clash in Atwater

A teenager remained in critical condition Thursday, a day after he was shot in the head during an apparent gang confrontation, the Police Department reported.

The 17-year-old boy, whose name was not released, was apparently dropped off by unknown people at Mercy Medical Center Merced shortly after police received reports of gunfire around 6:45 p.m. near a fast-food restaurant near Winton Way and Bellevue Road in Atwater, Lt. Samuel Joseph said.

A short time later the victim was flown to another hospital for treatment. “It appears he will survive, but he is still in critical condition,” Joseph said.

No arrests have been made and no weapons have been recovered.

Officers said two groups of gang rivals clashed inside the Jack in the Box at 1898 Bellevue Road. A small group of gang members inside the restaurant got involved in a confrontation with a carload of rival gang members who were coming through the drive-thru, police said.

The groups argued outside the eatery and at least one person was seen with a handgun. The armed person was seen chasing several apparently unarmed rival gang members in the drive-thru area, police said.

Investigators said exactly where the shooting occurred remained unclear Thursday. “The victim was able to talk, but was uncooperative with the detectives,” Joseph said.

Police said they were still working to determine with which gang the victim may be associated.

Investigators seized a vehicle a short time later on Willowbrook Drive in Merced that they believe may have been involved in the incident. The vehicle appeared to have been struck with gunfire multiple times, police said.

Joseph said police are hoping anyone with information regarding the incident will come forward. Joseph stressed that all tips are confidential and callers can remain anonymous.

This story was originally published December 4, 2014 at 12:14 PM with the headline "Teenager shot in gang clash in Atwater."