June 24, 2024 - Merced County Sheriff's Office officials report early this morning, Deputies were dispatched to Dana Court in Planada for a report of a shooting. While en route, Dispatch was notified that the suspect was on a tractor and was shooting at a residence.

When Deputies arrived, they could not locate the suspect but did find a Kubota tractor parked in front of the residence along with shell casings.

Deputies reviewed surveillance video, which showed the suspect shooting toward the house. As Deputies were searching the area, Dispatch received a call from a nearby neighbor stating someone was in their backyard with a rifle.

Deputies searched the backyard and located the suspect, identified as Antonio Mendoza, hiding in a shed with the firearm. Mendoza was booked into the Merced County Jail for shooting at a dwelling, being a felon in possession of a firearm, and felony vandalism.

Thankfully, there were no injuries during this incident.

The tractor was reported stolen this morning and was returned to the owner.

Great job by Deputy LaMattina, Deputy Xiong, Deputy Alsup, and Dispatcher Sanchez and Dispatcher Houser for their work on this case!


Source: Merced County Sheriff's Office