Officers from the Merced police department responded to a call of shots fired in the 200 block of W. 20th Street.

When officers arrived they located one victim lying in the 200 block alley of W.18th Street. Officers started CPR on the victim and continued life-saving measures until Merced City Fire and Riggs Ambulance arrived on scene.

Unfortunately, the victim succumbed to his injuries. The victim is a Hispanic male in his teens.

The initial investigation indicates the shooting may be gang-related. Initial reports indicate there was a group of juveniles hanging out in the apartment complex when an unknown suspect(s) walked up and started shooting. The victim was unfortunately struck by gun fire.

Merced Police are asking anyone with any information regarding this crime to contact Detective Pinnegar at (209) 388-7712, or the Merced Police Department Tipster Line at (209) 385-4725.

The public can send information via anonymous text messages to police department by dialing “TIP411” (847411) and including the word “Comvip” as the “keyword” in the text message.