Man shot by bystander after argument with girlfriend

A 40-year-old man who had a violent argument with his girlfriend early Wednesday in the parking lot of a Merced apartment complex was shot multiple times by one of two bystanders who witnessed the dispute, police said.

The man, whose name was not released, was arguing with the woman around 1:30 a.m. at the Buena Vista Apartments, 3112 Denver Ave., and smashed the window of her vehicle as she drove away.

“He then immediately confronted two other men who were standing nearby, looking at him. He is said to have approached the two men in an aggressive manner, and one of the men pulled out a handgun and shot him multiple times in the legs,” Sgt. Curt Gorman said.

The unidentified gunman fired at least five shots, striking the man more than once. There is no evidence the man had any weapons and police do not believe any words were exchanged before the shots were fired.

The man was taken to a Modesto hospital where he was treated and released, Gorman said.

Gorman said the gunshot victim is a known gang member, but investigators do not believe the violence was gang-related. The gunman, described only as “either a white male or Hispanic male,” fled the area and remained on the run Wednesday afternoon, police said.

Police said the gunshot victim has refused to cooperate with investigators.

Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to call Detective Chris Russell at 209-385-4707. Tips are confidential and callers may remain anonymous.

While searching a nearby duplex, officers uncovered a small laboratory used to convert marijuana oil, sometimes referred to as “honey oil,” officers said.

“It’s a very small honey oil lab. We don’t believe it’s connected to the shooting at all,” Gorman said.

Police said the man living in the apartment where the lab was discovered was not home and believe he may have left the area.

This story was originally published March 16, 2016 at 1:22 PM with the headline "Man shot by bystander after argument with girlfriend."