Deputies arrest man accused of shooting at residence in Merced County

A 36-year-old man was arrested on multiple charges after allegedly shooting at residences in Merced County on Monday, according to authorities.

The Merced County Sheriff’s Office said the suspect, identified as Antonio Mendoza, 36, of Planada, was arrested on multiple charges after authorities found him hiding with a firearm.

At about 3 a.m., deputies responded to the area of Dana Court in Planada for a report of a shooting, according to Merced County Sheriff’s Deputy Michael Domingue. Authorities said they were told a person was shooting at a residence while on a tractor.

Arriving deputies located a Kubota tractor and shell casings in front of a residence but did not immediately locate the suspected shooter. According to Domingue, it appears multiple residences were struck by gunfire. No injuries were reported.

Authorities said deputies reviewed video surveillance which reportedly shows the suspect shooting toward a home. While searching the area, a nearby neighbor contacted authorities and reported someone was in their backyard with a rifle. While searching the yard, deputies eventually located Mendoza, who was reportedly hiding in a shed with a firearm.

According to Domingue, investigators have not identified a possible motive for the shooting and Mendoza appeared to be under the influence of a controlled substance at the time of his arrest. The tractor, which was discovered to be reported stolen out of the Le Grand area, was recovered and returned to the owner, authorities said.

Mendoza was booked into Merced County Jail on suspicion of multiple charges, including felony shooting at inhabited dwelling, felon in possession of a firearm, possession of ammunition by a prohibited person, probation violation, vandalism and misdemeanor possession of controlled substance and possession of unlawful paraphernalia, according to jail records.

He remains in custody in lieu of $417,000 bond.