March 31 ,2023 - Merced Police Department officials report on March 29, 2023, at approximately 9:31 A.M., the Merced Police Department received a call about a shooting in the 2400 block of E. Gerard Avenue in Merced. Officers responded and located a victim who was suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. The victim believed he was targeted because of his previous gang affiliation. He was transported to a regional trauma center and is expected to survive.

Detectives and crime scene personnel responded to assist with the investigation. Elijah Rodriguez (21) and his brother, Israel Rodriguez (23) were identified as suspects in the shooting. The Rodriguez brothers were booked into the Merced County Jail for attempted murder and gang enhancements.

Merced Police are asking anyone with any information regarding this incident to contact Detective Steven Odom at 209-388-7814 or by email at odoms@cityofmerced.org

Case Number: 2023-00015991