Merced police are investigating a shooting that left a 5-year-old girl dead.

Officers responded Thursday afternoon at around 2:27 p.m. to the 1600 block of East 26th Street for reports of one shot fired.

While officers were responding to the residence, officers also received a report of a 5-year-old female gunshot victim dropped off at Mercy Hospital.

The subject who dropped off the victim was seen leaving the hospital. Officers attempted to stop the subject, but the driver refused to stop and engaged in a high-speed pursuit.

The driver finally stopped and was taken into custody and was identified as Rodney Matthews.

After a preliminary investigation, detectives believe the 5-year-old victim was accidentally shot by another juvenile family member.

Rodney Matthews was arrested and booked on charges of child endangerment which resulted in the death of a child, felony reckless driving and evading officers, and a prohibited person in possession of firearms and ammunition.

Merced Police Detectives and the Crime Scene Response Team responded to the crime scene and are investigating.

Merced Police are asking anyone with any information regarding this crime to contact Sergeant Solis at 209-385-4703 or by email at solisl@cityofmerced.org.