"It was just like a pop pop pop."
It was a fearful and unpredictable moment one witness shared with Action News.
"I was at the park, and I just heard gunshots. At first, it sounded like it was fireworks, but then we saw kids, moms and entire families just running," said a witness to the shooting.
The Merced Police Department responded to the park at 3 pm for reports of gunshots.
Lt. Jose Barajas says officers found a man in his early 20s suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.
The man was taken to the hospital but died from his injuries.
Barajas says the shooting was isolated but happened in a public place where bystanders could have been hurt.
"To have something so tragic happen in the middle of broad daylight makes it difficult for people to feel comfortable," says Lt. Barajas.
Barajas says the motive is under investigation.
He reminds the public that the police department has more units on patrol.
"It definitely appears to be an isolated incident. We still want the community to feel safe. We mentioned in the past that we have extra patrols. Our gang violence suppression unit is still working seven days a week," he said.
One woman who showed up to the park after the shooting told Action News she's in disbelief.
"We have this park that is supposed to be really safe and everything, family-oriented," she said. "This is a tragedy."
Many people are sharing their condolences for the family and friends now grieving the loss of a loved one.
"I see that his family, they are really heartbroken right now," said the witness.
This is the 5th homicide of the year in Merced.
Investigators are searching for the shooter.
If anyone has information related to the case, you can call the Merced Police Department.
For news updates, follow Elisa Navarro on Facebook, X and Instagram.