Teen gang member arrested in Merced baseball bat attack

A four-day investigation by Merced police ended this week with a 14-year-old suspected gang member in custody, accused of assaulting another teenager with a baseball bat.

The suspect was arrested about 4 p.m. Monday in the 400 block of M Street in Merced, Detective Joseph Deliman told the Merced Sun-Star.

Police said the victim, a 15-year-old boy, was attacked Thursday in the area of West 18th and H streets. He was rushed to an area hospital in serious condition. The victim was released from the hospital Monday, police said.

“I’ve been told he’s still sore, but that he should be OK,” Deliman said Tuesday.

Investigators said the victim was walking home from school about 3 p.m. Thursday when he was confronted by the suspect. The two exchanged words and the victim was struck with the baseball bat at least once, apparently as he was walking away.

“The suspect is a documented Norteño gang member but the motivation behind the attack is still under investigation,” Capt. Tom Trindad said in a news release.

He was booked into Merced County Juvenile Hall on suspicion of assault. Other charges may be filed.

There were conflicting reports regarding where the victim attended school. Police believe he was a student at Yosemite High School, but Gloria Gonzales, associate principal at the school, confirmed that the teenager is not enrolled there but at Sequoia High School. A phone call to Sequoia on Tuesday was not immediately returned.

Detectives are not seeking any other suspects in connection with the attack, but the case remains under investigation. The baseball bat allegedly used in the assault has not been recovered by police, Deliman confirmed.

This story was originally published January 13, 2015 at 11:36 AM with the headline "Teen gang member arrested in Merced baseball bat attack."