Thursday, Jul. 12, 2012

Police: Gang shooting occurred Friday

Victim shot in leg

The Los Banos Police Department is investigating what it believes was a gang-related shooting that occurred Friday afternoon.

Police said at 3:47 p.m. officers responded to a report of a shooting on the 300 Block of Eighth Street. When authorities arrived on the scene they found a 19-year-old male suffering from a gunshot wound to the leg.

The victim was airlifted to a Modesto hospital where he remains in stable condition, police said.

Several shell casings were discovered at the scene of the shooting. Witnesses reportedly told police they saw a black vehicle leaving the area after the victim was shot.

Law enforcement said they are close to making an arrest.

“Our detectives are making progress in this case and we feel the suspects will be apprehended soon,” Cmdr. Ray Reyna Jr. said.

The police department is asking anyone with information about this incident to contact Detective Eduardo Solis at (209) 827-7070 ext. 137.

To leave an anonymous crime tip call 209-827-7070 Ext. 288. If you have access to a computer and the internet you can also leave an anonymous tip at the Police Departments web page at www.losbanos.org. At the bottom of the “Contact” page simply click on the “report graffiti and other crime” link or visit the Merced Area Crime Stoppers by telephone at 1-855-725-2420, or at www.mercedareacrimestoppers.org.