ATWATER - Early Monday morning officers from the Atwater, Merced, Turlock, Modesto police departments, State Parole and the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s office cooperated on a multi jurisdictional operation that lead to the arrest of Adrian Hernandez, Hispanic Male, 21 years of age, a resident of Merced as a suspect in the June 29th, 2022 homicide that occurred in the parking lot of Buhach Colony High School.
With the assistance of these agencies and federal partners, officers were able to identify Hernandez as the primary subject in this investigation. Hernandez was taken into custody without incident. Merced PD GSVU served a search warrant in the 3600 block of Swan Court in the City of Merced as part of the operation. Investigators collected evidence at the location to assist in the prosecution of the case. Hernandez was booked into the Merced County Jail on a first degree murder charge.
On June 29th just before midnight, Atward Police Dispatch received a report advising of a shooting in the Northwest parking lot of Buhach Colony High School. Upon arrival officers located a Hispanic Male Adult lying in the lot suffering from gunshot wounds. The Victim is Kevin Arias, Age 20, a resident of Ceres.. Lifesaving efforts were attempted but the subject was declared dead at the scene.
Officers have located evidence of narcotics activity as a possible motive for the shooting. Officers are canvassing the area for further evidence and possible video surveillance showing the area at the time of the incident. Officers are looking for a black sedan leaving the area occupied by 2 Hispanic Males. The identity of the Hispanic Male Victim is being held pending notification of next of kin. There is no evidence that this homicide is related to the High School other than being a location that the incident occurred.
Chief Michael Salvador stated. “I would like to thank all the agencies that help our department with this investigation. This operation is result of hours great investigative work by all involved.”
This investigation is still ongoing and the Atwater Police Department needs the public’s help in gathering information related to the case. If a member of the public has information or observed anything related to this case, please contact the Atwater Police Department at 209-357-6384 and ask for Detective Sgt Brum or Detective Vargas.
