November 5, 2026 – Merced County Sheriff's Office officials report that on Wednesday afternoon at approximately 4:00 p.m., the office received a call regarding an unknown individual who was acting paranoid, speaking erratically, and driving toward Mercy Hospital in Merced. This person was later identified as 26-year-old Jose Vasquez of Livingston.

Deputies located Vasquez inside the hospital's emergency room. Upon speaking with him, he continued to act erratically and became aggressive toward deputies and hospital security.

Deputies were able to get Vasquez to exit the emergency room, at which point he began to physically resist. During the altercation, one deputy received a significant injury to their hand that may require stitches. Once Vasquez was detained, deputies located two firearms on his person. A third firearm was found in his vehicle parked on hospital property.

Deputies arrested Vasquez for resisting arrest, assault on a peace officer, possession of a concealed firearm, possession of a high-capacity magazine, and suspicion of being under the influence of drugs.

The Sheriff’s Office would like to thank Hospital Security and the Merced Police Department for assisting in this dangerous situation, which, thanks to the combined efforts of all involved, was safely resolved.

This is an ongoing investigation. Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to call our tip line at (209) 385-7547 or email us at: Sherifftips@countyofmerced.com.

Source: Merced County Sheriff's Office