Planada,CA- Within the past two weeks, there have been six drive-by shootings and numerous reports from residents of gunshots in Planada, and one of these shootings ended in homicide. When deputies arrived, they learned that several houses and vehicles in the area were shot, and littered with bullet holes. To make matters worse, while deputies were speaking with the victims of one of the shootings, the deputies received additional reports of gunshots further down the street. Investigators believe that all six drive-by shootings in Planada are gang related.

The Sheriff’s Office had to pull from several different divisions throughout the agency, most of whom, would not normally be involved in the execution of search warrants. These divisions included the Supervised Release Team (SRT), the Patrol Division, all Sheriff’s Office Detectives, and Sheriff’s Office Command Staff. The Sheriff’s Office served three search warrants on three residences in Planada. During the investigation, three handguns and one illegal sawed off shotgun were seized from known gang members. Additionally, investigators arrested Stephon Graham (27) from Planada for shooting at an inhabited dwelling, felon in possession of a firearm, and involvement in a criminal street gang.

While serving the search warrants and during the investigation, further information has been developed regarding the shootings and future arrest are imminent. Please contact the Merced County Sheriff’s Office Detectives Division at 209-385-7472 if you have any information regarding the shootings.
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