May 18, 2022 - Merced – On May 16, 2022, the Hangar BBQ shooting suspect was arrested after making an appearance in court on an unrelated case in San Joaquin County. The suspect was identified as 21-year-old gang member, Adrian Garcia of Stockton.

On February 26, 2022, at 12:13 A.M., Merced Police Officers responded to the Hanger BBQ at 26 Macready Dr. in the city of Merced after gunshots were fired inside the establishment. As a large fight broke out, Garcia brandished a firearm which he discharged numerous times into the ceiling. The gunfire caused patrons in the bar to panic and flee from the area. No bystanders were injured by the gunfire.

The case was investigated by Detective Raymond Valadez. Detective Valadez was able to identify Garcia through videos that were filmed by patrons inside of the establishment, moments before the shooting.

Garcia was in Merced the day of the shooting in support of other gang members who were filming a rap music video in town. Garcia and several of the gang members attended a private party held by UC Merced Students, at the Hanger BBQ, later that evening.

Garcia fled the area after the shooting and was arrested the following month in San Joaquin County for charges unrelated this incident. Garcia was in possession of a handgun when he was arrested. Test fired shell casings from the handgun were compared to shell casings found at the scene of the shooting using the Integrated Ballistic Identification System (IBIS). The test fired shell casings and shell casings found at the scene were a match.

A warrant was issued for Garcia’s arrest. Garcia was arrested by officers of the Stockton Police Department and turned over to the Merced Police Department. Garcia was booked into the Merced County Jail for negligent discharge of a firearm in a public place and for being a gang member in possession of a firearm.

Merced Police are asking anyone with information regarding this incident to contact Detective Raymond Valadez at (209) 388-7829 or by email at valadezr@cityofmerced.org.   

Case Number: 22-11624

Other ways to contact us or report a crime include:

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For non-emergency call 209-385-6912

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Some crimes can be reported online through the Merced Police Department website at https://www.cityofmerced.org/departments/police.  

Source: Merced Police Department