On June 21, 2020, at approximately 1:19 a.m., FTO Valadez saw a vehicle driving erratically near 12th and M St. The vehicle did not pull over but sped off.

As the pursuit was occurring Police dispatch began to receive calls of a shooting that had just occurred near the start of the pursuit.

The pursuit lasted 22 minutes and reached speeds up to 120 MPH. The suspect’s vehicle left the roadway at Lander and Westside Blvd in Stevenson.

Three suspects ran from the vehicle and all three were taken into custody after a short foot chase. A loaded firearm was recovered from the vehicle.

The victim of the shooting was not injured but the vehicle they were driving was hit several times. After the suspects were interviewed they were all booked on several felony charges.

21-year-old Manuel Leon was booked for felony evading, assault with a firearm, shooting into an occupied vehicle, gang enhancements, and several traffic violations.

19-year-old Sebastian Ramirez was booked for felony evading, assault with a firearm, shooting into an occupied vehicle, and gang enhancements.

A 17-year-old juvenile was booked into juvenile hall for felony evading, assault with a firearm, shooting into an occupied vehicle, and gang enhancements.

Merced Police are asking anyone with any information regarding this crime to contact Detective Adrian at 209-385-4731 or by email at adriana@cityofmerced.org.