The Merced Police Department has announced the arrest of a primary suspect in connection to an attempted murder investigation.
In a press release on the evening of Friday, April 7, the department identified 34-year-old Steven Vasquez as the suspect in connection to a shooting on the 700 block of Motel Drive in the early morning hours of Saturday, April 1.
Shortly after 1 AM, officers had been dispatched to the area of East Yosemite Avenue and Glen Avenue. Soon after arriving on scene, they located a victim on Motel Drive who had sustained a gunshot wound. Officers also reportedly found the victim’s vehicle, which appeared to have been shot several times.
The victim was taken to a Modesto area hospital and was listed in stable condition, police said.
Investigators taking up the case canvassed the area for leads and discovered numerous surveillance video cameras, which they reviewed for possible footage of the incident. Surveillance video showed that the shooting involved several subjects, police said, and that one of them was a known gang member.
That individual was identified as Vasquez.
After securing a warrant for his arrest, investigators located and arrested Vasquez on the 300 block of South Parsons Avenue earlier in the day on Friday, April 7. Vasquez was booked at the Merced County jail on suspicion of attempted homicide, possession of a firearm and ammunition by a prohibited person, and gang enhancements.
Despite the arrest, the investigation is ongoing and police are asking anyone with information relevant to the investigation to come forward.
Those with information to share are encouraged to contact Officer Justin Saldivar at 209-388-7735 or via email at saldivarj@cityofmerced.org. The case number is identified as 23-16539.
Other ways to contact police or report crimes include calling or texting 911 in case of emergency or, for non-emergencies, calling 209-385-6912.
Anonymous, non-emergency tips may also be left at 209-385-4725 or online at Merced Area CrimeStoppers.
