June 6, 2026 – Merced County Sheriff’s Office officials report that at 1:58 a.m. on Friday, Deputies responded to a shooting at Valley Oak Lane and Cottonwood Court in Planada. Deputies learned the victim’s vehicle had been shot at by 20-year-old Aaron Barragan Gonzalez. The victim was not injured during the incident. Gonzalez, along with 32-year-old Ari Gonzalez Cardenas and a juvenile who was believed to be associated with the incident, fled into a residence in the 200 block of Zarate Court. After Deputies arrived at the residence, Cardenas surrendered and was arrested. The Merced Sheriff’s Office SWAT team responded to assist in serving a search warrant on the residence. While on scene, Deputies learned that Gonzalez and the juvenile were spotted nearby. Gonzalez was located and arrested without incident.

Gonzalez was booked into the Merced County Jail for assault with a deadly weapon, felon in possession of a firearm, brandishing a firearm, participating in a criminal street gang, and probation violation. Cardenas was also booked into the Merced County Jail for conspiracy to commit a crime and participating in a criminal street gang. This remains an ongoing investigation. Anyone with information regarding this incident can contact the Merced County Sheriff’s Office at 209.385.7472. Callers may remain confidential.

Source: Merced County Sheriff’s Office