Tuesday, Mar. 06, 2012

Teens wounded in gang shooting

Third party escapes injury

An 18-year-old man and a 15-year-old female are recovering after being shot Friday night in the 700 block of Sandhill Crane Drive, police reported.

No one has been arrested and Los Banos police believe the shooting is gang related.

Officers arrived at 10:50 p.m. and found the victims suffering from gunshot wounds to their legs.

Police said the victims reported standing in front of their residence when they noticed a light-colored vehicle, possibly a Mitsubishi, approach the front of the residence with its headlights turned off.

Two people exited the car wearing masks and began shooting at the victims. Police said a 14-year-old female who was standing next to the victims ran for cover and wasn't injured.

The shooters fled the area in an unknown direction and haven't been found. The victims were taken by ambulance to a Modesto hospital and have already been released.

Police are asking anyone with information to call Detective Eduardo Solis at (209) 827-7070 ext. 137. Callers can also leave an anonymous tip by calling (209) 827-7070 Ext. 288.

Tips can also be left at the department's web page at www.losbanos.org. At the bottom of the “contact” page simply click on the "report graffiti and other crime" link or call the Merced Area Crime Stoppers by dialing (855) 725-2420, or at www.mercedareacrimestoppers.org