Merced Police detective nearly ambushed during attempted homicide investigation

Merced Police says a detective was nearly ambushed by two men during an attempted homicide investigation.

Officers responded at around 12:25 a.m. Saturday, to 314 West 19th Street for a stabbing.

When officers arrived, they located a 28-year old man suffering from a stab wound to his chest.

The victim was transported to a Modesto area hospital where he is in serious, but stable condition.

Merced Police Detectives were called to assist with the investigation. They were able to determine that 32-year-old Jose Ibarra and 35-year-old Juan Velasco were responsible for the attack.

While searching the area of the 1200 block of Canal Street for the suspects, Detectives were nearly ambushed by Ibarra and Velasco.

The suspects had mistaken the detective’s car for a rival gang member’s car and had approached them armed with handguns.

When the detective spotted the approaching gunmen, he identified himself as a police officer and the suspects attempted to flee.

Officers were able to detain them and recovered the handguns. They were booked into the Merced County Jail for attempted murder, being felons in possession of firearms, felons in possession of ammunition, and the criminal street gang enhancement.

It is believed that this attack is gang-related.

Merced Police are asking anyone with any additional information to contact Detective Barajas at (209) 388-7828.

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