On December 7, 2014, at approximately 10:22 p.m., officers from the Merced Police Department responded to a call of shots fired at La Hacienda 1 restaurant/bar located on the Northeast corner of Olive and ‘G’ streets.

When officers arrived they found that 24-year-old Ishmael Escalante had been murdered by a gunman who had run off in a westbound direction. Witnesses told officers that Ishmael had gone outside the bar where he was confronted and wounded.

Ishmael ran back inside the bar and fell to the floor, the gunman followed him back inside where he continued to shoot him while he laid on the ground. The shooter had his face covered and was wearing dark clothing, Ishmael Escalante is pictured below.

We know someone out there knows the name of this shooter. If you know anything about this cowardly crime or who may have been involved, contact Merced Area Crime Stoppers At 1-855-725-2420 or text “Merced” to plus your information to 274637 (crimes). You will never be asked to give your name or any information about yourself.

No one will ever know you called. If an arrest is made, you will be eligible for a cash reward.