The Atwater Police Department was dispatched to the area of Secretariat Drive and East Bellevue Road on a report of shots fired.

Upon arrival, officers located a 15-year-old male that had gunshot wounds to the hand and leg. Witnesses stated that a silver Dodge Charger had pulled up and inquired about the victim and his friend’s gang status. Shortly thereafter 3 to 5 shots were fired from the vehicle. Two of the shots struck the victim.

The innocent victim, who was not gang related, was transported to Mercy Hospital for treatment. The wounds did not appear to be life threatening on scene.

The investigation is ongoing and the Atwater Police Department requests that anyone with information please contact us at (209) 357-6396, or contact the Merced Area Crimestoppers at 1-855-725-2420, or go to mercedareacrimestoppers.org to send anonymous information via text or email.