On March 1, 2019, two Los Banos police officers were on patrol and heard the sound of rapid gunfire coming from the north side of the City near Cardinal Street.

Officers Todd Carter and Michael Neal started driving in the direction of the gunfire, when a gray Cadillac was seen fleeing the area at a high rate of speed. The officers attempted to stop the vehicle and the driver fled, leading the officers in a vehicle pursuit.

The occupants of the Cadillac began throwing firearms out the window of the speeding vehicle as officers pursued.

9-1-1 communications center began receiving multiple calls about a shooting in the 1400 block of Cardinal Street, the decision was made to terminate the pursuit and respond to the location where the shooting occurred to check for victims.

Officers arrived at a home in the 1400 block of Cardinal Street where a group of people told police they were shot at by the occupants of the Cadillac. Detectives responded to the scene and determined through the investigation that a gun fight took place between a group at the home on Cardinal and those inside the Cadillac.

A search warrant was served at the home in the 1400 block of Cardinal Street. An AR-15 rifle, a .40 caliber Glock handgun, and high-capacity magazines were recovered. The guns thrown out of the vehicle were also recovered by police.

Detectives believe roughly 20 rounds were fired during the gunfight. No injuries were reported. Many details in the shooting remain unclear and Detectives are continuing to follow leads. This investigation is ongoing and no further details will be released at this time.

A second shooting was reported on March 3, 2019, in the 500 block of Elmwood Court. Just after 11:00 p.m., Los Banos police officers responded and found evidence of a shooting. No one was injured in the shooting where at least 11 bullet impacts hit a home and vehicle.

Detectives are following leads in both shooting cases. Anyone with information about these shootings is encouraged to call Detective-Sergeant Justin Melden at (209) 827-2509 or Detective Sean Bayard at (209) 827-2520.

To leave an anonymous crime tip call (209) 827-7070, ext. 288. If you have access to a computer and the internet you can leave an anonymous tip at the Police Department’s web page at www.losbanos.org.

At the bottom of the contact page simply click on the “report graffiti and other crime” link or contact the Merced Area Crime Stoppers by telephone at 1-855-725-2420, or at www.mercedareacrimestoppers.org