MERCED, Calif. — On Thursday afternoon, around 2:30, Merced Police Officers responded to a report of gunshot heard in the 1600 block of East 26th Street.
Officers responded to the scene and located the crime scene at a home on East 26th Street. Officers also received a report of a 5-year-old gunshot victim dropped off at Mercy Hospital.
The man who dropped off the victim was seen leaving the hospital. Officers attempted to stop the subject, but the driver refused to stop and engaged in a high-speed pursuit.
The driver finally stopped and was taken into custody and was identified as Rodney Matthews.
Detectives believe the 5 year old victim was accidentally shot by another child-aged family member.
Rodney Matthews was arrested and booked on charges of child endangerment which resulted in the death of a child, felony reckless driving while evading officers, and a prohibited person in possession of firearms and ammunition.
Merced Police Detectives and the Crime Scene Response Team responded to the crime scene and are investigating.
