January 24, 2026 – Merced County Sheriff’s Office officials report that on January 23, 2026, the Merced County Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team executed a search warrant in connection with a shooting that took place in Planada on January 8, 2026. On the night of the incident, a vehicle involved in the shooting was discovered abandoned and was found to contain several firearms. Two suspects connected to the shooting were arrested shortly after abandoning the vehicle.

The search warrant executed on January 23 aimed to identify additional individuals involved in the initial incident. During the search, detectives uncovered ammunition, an unserialized rifle equipped with a high-capacity magazine, and an unregistered pistol.

Juan Ceja Prado, 32 from Planada, was arrested and booked into jail on multiple charges, including possession of a high-capacity magazine, possession of an assault weapon, possession of ammunition by a prohibited person, being a felon in possession of a firearm, and shooting at an occupied vehicle. This investigation is ongoing. Please contact Detective Jose Sanchez at (209) 385-7472 if you have any additional information.

Source & photo: Merced County Sheriff’s Office