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Merced County Authorities Arrest 2 After Early Morning Shooting
ANTHONY SITE PHOTO
By Anthony W. Haddad
Published 29 minutes ago on
June 8, 2026

Merced County authorities arrested two adults after a vehicle was shot at in Planada early Friday, prompting a SWAT-assisted search and an ongoing investigation. (Merced County SO)

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Two adults were arrested and a juvenile was detained following a shooting early Friday in Planada that prompted a response from the Merced County Sheriff’s Office SWAT team, authorities said.

Deputies responded at 1:58 a.m. Friday to reports of a shooting near Valley Oak Lane and Cottonwood Court.

Investigators said a vehicle occupied by the victim had been shot at by Aaron Barragan Gonzalez, 20. The victim was not injured.

Authorities said Gonzalez, Ari Gonzalez Cardenas, 32, and a juvenile believed to be associated with the incident fled to a residence in the 200 block of Zarate Court following the shooting.

After deputies arrived at the residence, Cardenas surrendered and was taken into custody, according to the Merced County Sheriff’s Office. The agency’s SWAT team was called in to assist with serving a search warrant at the home.

While deputies were at the scene, investigators learned Gonzalez and the juvenile had been spotted nearby. Gonzalez was later located and arrested without incident.

Gonzalez was booked into the Merced County Jail on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon, being a felon in possession of a firearm, brandishing a firearm, participating in a criminal street gang, and violating probation.

Cardenas was booked into the Merced County Jail on suspicion of conspiracy to commit a crime and participating in a criminal street gang.

Got a Tip?

The investigation remains ongoing.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact the Merced County Sheriff’s Office at (209) 385-7472.

Callers may remain confidential.

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Anthony W. Haddad,
Multimedia Journalist
Anthony W. Haddad, who graduated from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with his undergraduate degree and attended Fresno State for a MBA, is the Swiss Army knife of GV Wire. He writes stories, manages social media, and represents the organization on the ground.

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