A Merced Sheriff Deputy was shot in the ear after a suspect who was being chased after a short pursuit fired one round with an AR-style rifle that was modified to be more compact, the Merced Sheriff department reported.

The Deputy returned fire and struck the suspect, he died at the scene.

The incident occurred at approximately 1:20 Saturday afternoon in the area of walnut Avenue and Susie Street in Winton.

The California Department of Justice, and other local allied agencies, are assisting our Investigations Bureau.