On June 3, 2014 at approximately 1:28 p.m., the Los Banos Police Department received several reports of shots fired in the 200 Block of West J Street.
When Officers arrived they located multiple shotgun shell casings in the roadway and a vehicle which appeared to have been damaged by gun fire. Witnesses reported seeing a Hispanic male standing in the roadway firing several rounds from a shotgun before fleeing the area in a white vehicle. Officers quickly identified the suspect as 28-year-old German Ortega of Los Banos.
Approximately one hour later, Officer Jairo Acosta located Ortega in the 1500 Block of Tanner Road. Ortega was taken into custody without incident and has been cooperative with Detectives.
“We believe there was an altercation between rival gang members in the neighborhood which sparked this shooting. We are also following up on strong leads regarding the location of the suspect’s firearm.”
-Ray Reyna, Police Commander
No victims of the shooting have been located although witnesses reported seeing a male running from the area who appeared to have been injured. Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Detective Sergeant Ivan Mendez at (209) 827-7070 extension 114.
Ortega is currently in custody at the Los Banos Police Department Jail, without bail, charged with violation of AB109 post release conditions, discharging a firearm in a negligent manner, felon in possession of a firearm, and destruction/vandalism of property.
To leave an anonymous crime tip call 209-827-7070 Ext. 288. If you have access to a computer and the internet you can also 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 visit the Merced Area Crime Stoppers by telephone at 1-855-725-2420, or at www.mercedareacrimestoppers.org
