Merced County Man Arrested for Allegedly Shooting at Inhabited Dwelling
A Merced County man has reportedly been arrested on multiple charges after allegedly shooting at an inhabited home earlier this month.
On June 16, 2023, Gang Violence Suppression Unit officers apprehended a 49-year-old Merced man for his alleged involvement in a shooting incident, according to a press release by the Merced Police Department. The arrest was made in connection with the suspect allegedly firing several shots at an inhabited dwelling on June 12.
According to authorities, Merced Police Officers responded to a report of a shooting on the 300 block of West 19th Street just before 10 PM. Upon arrival, it was discovered that an individual had discharged multiple rounds into an apartment building following a disturbance.
Following an investigation, Lekxai Soulanone, reportedly a known gang member on probation, was identified as the primary suspect in the shooting.
Subsequently, an arrest warrant was obtained for Soulanone on June 16, specifically for the charge of shooting at an inhabited dwelling. Police located the suspect on the 500 block of Granada Court in Merced and took him into custody on the warrant. Officers reportedly also conducted a probation search and discovered a loaded 9mm handgun.
Soulanone was arrested on his warrant, in addition to facing several firearm-related charges and a violation of probation. He was subsequently booked into the Merced County jail, where he awaits further legal proceedings.
The Merced Police Department is urging anyone with pertinent information related to this crime to contact Officer Centeno at 209-388-7742 or via email at CentenoA@CityofMerced.org.
