Suspect wanted for shooting clerk at 7-Eleven in Merced, police say

MERCED, Calif. (KFSN) -- Merced police are on the hunt for a man who shot a 7-Eleven store clerk during an early morning robbery.

Officers say he demanded money from a store clerk at the 7-Eleven on Gerard Avenue near Highway 99 around 3 am Tuesday.

After the suspect grabbed cash from the register, detectives say he shot the clerk in the chest.

Action News has learned the victim texted his co-workers to let them know he is going to be okay.

"Our officers begin canvassing the area for video surveillance And while doing so they ended up tracking who we believe was the suspect," said Merced Police Lieutenant Kalvin Heygood.

Authorities say the shooter left the scene on a bicycle and rode about a mile to Merced Inn & Suites.

A SWAT team was seen searching motel rooms throughout the morning, and nearby Golden Valley High School was put on lockdown.

It has since been lifted, but the crime has the community on edge.

"It's bad for all convenience, all stores, 7-Eleven, liquor stores, and gas stations. Everybody is scared to work in the nights," explained the owner of nearby Bernie's Liquor.

The owner of Bernie's was held at gunpoint herself in November of 2021.

Police markers are still inside as a reminder of what happened that night.

That robbery ended with police shooting and killing the armed gunman, 27-year-old Rodolpho Antonio Ruiz.

As the investigation into Tuesday morning's shooting continues, authorities want to assure the public they are doing all they can to bring the suspect to justice.

"We're gonna do our best to try and catch this guy and keep the community safe. We definitely don't want this to happen again," said Heygood.

Witnesses say the store clerk who was wounded has worked at this 7-Eleven for about 17 years.

Stay with ABC30 for the latest details on this developing story.

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