Merced Police Arrest Gang Member for Attempted Homicide and Robbery

Police have arrested the alleged shooter from Wednesday night shooting in Merced.

Officers were dispatched to the 200 block of R Street in south Merced for an adult male victim who had been shot in the arm.

When officers arrived, the victim said the suspect approached him and demanded his wallet. When the victim refused, the suspect pulled out a firearm and shot the victim in the arm. The suspect then fled the area in a vehicle.

Through video surveillance, Officers were able to identify the suspect as 23-year-old Thomas Garcia from Merced.

The Merced Police Gang Violence Suppression Unit worked with the Merced County Sherriff’s Office to locate Garcia in the city of Planada.

Garcia was arrested and a search warrant was written to search the residence. Officers located a semi-automatic firearm; ammunition and the clothing Garcia was wearing during the commission of the crime.

Garcia is a documented gang member and is prohibited from possessing any firearms. Garcia was booked at Merced County Jail for attempted murder, robbery, prohibited person in possession of a firearm and prohibited person in possession of ammunition.

Merced Police are asking anyone with any information regarding this crime to contact Officer Lupian at 209-388-7814 or by email at lupianc@cityofmerced.org