Hilmar, CA (February 27, 2026) — A 21-year-old Hilmar man was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder following a shooting Thursday evening at a gas station in Hilmar, according to the Merced County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies responded at approximately 7:26 p.m. on February 26 to the Kwik Serv Gas Station, located at 8480 Lander Ave., after receiving reports of a shooting. According to a statement released by the Sheriff’s Office on its official Facebook page, deputies learned the incident stemmed from an argument involving several individuals.
Investigators said the victim was sitting inside his vehicle when the suspect, later identified as Cesar Reynoso Deluna, 21, of Hilmar, allegedly shot at him before fleeing the scene. The victim sustained a non-life-threatening injury to his forehead and transported himself to a local hospital for treatment.
The Sheriff’s Office reported that Deluna was later located at a residence in Hilmar, where he was taken into custody. Deputies also recovered the firearm believed to have been used in the shooting.
Deluna was booked into the Merced County Sheriff’s Office Jail on a charge of attempted murder.
Authorities stated that no other individuals were injured and that the incident is believed to be isolated. The investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone with additional information is urged to contact the Merced County Sheriff’s Office at 209-385-7445. Callers may remain anonymous.
