Officer opens fire in Merced after reckless driver leads authorities on high-speed chase

MERCED, Calif. (KFSN) -- An officer-involved shooting is under investigation after a Merced police officer fired his gun during a chase through town.

On Thursday afternoon, Merced College Police tried stopping a reckless driver when the driver sped off down G Street. Police then continued to follow him to West Olive and M Street.

A Merced police officer found the suspect and car at M Street and Fairfield. The officer then fired his gun but the suspect then took off again.

The Merced College officers continued chasing the suspect to Belcher and West Santa Fe where the suspect ditched the car and took off running. He was found hiding in a backyard.

The Merced Sun-Star identified the suspect as 33-year-old John Barragan. He was booked into the Merced County Jail.

Barragan also has a long criminal past.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call the Merced Police Department.