Brothers arrested in connection to shooting Wednesday morning in Merced

MERCED, Calif. (FOX26) — The Merced Police Department announced the arrest of two men in connection to an attempted homicide that happened Wednesday morning in Merced.

Police were called to the area of E. Gerard Ave. near Hwy. 99 in Merced around 9:30 a.m. for the report of a shooting.

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When officers arrived they found a victim suffering from a gunshot wound.

The victim told officers he believed he was targeted because of his previous gang affiliation.

He was taken to the hospital and is expected to survive.

Detectives and crime scene personnel responded to assist with the investigation and determined 21-year-old Elijah Rodriguez and his brother, 23-year-old Israel Rodriguez as suspects in the shooting.

The brothers were located and booked into the Merced County Jail for attempted murder and gang enhancements.

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The Merced Police Department is asking anyone with any information about the shooting to call Detective Steven Odom at 209-388-7814 or by email at odoms@cityofmerced.org.