Merced County Sheriff’s Office
The Merced County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a fatal shooting that happened late Saturday during an event at the Los Banos Fairgrounds.
Deputies were called to the scene of the shooting at around 11:12 p.m., according to a Sheriff’s Office Facebook post.
When they arrived, deputies found 31-year-old Kody Pena suffering from several gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Pena was a security guard working the event.
Pena was involved in an altercation, which reportedly led to the shooting.
Sheriff’s detectives identified the suspect as 21-year-old Gabriel Angel Salas from Sacramento. Salas is described as a Hispanic male with hazel eyes, long black hair, 5-foot-10 in height, with a medium build.
Salas is wanted for murder and believed to be in the West Sacramento area. He is considered armed and dangerous. If you see Salas, do not approach him; call 911.
Anyone with information regarding this case or the whereabouts of Gabriel Salas is asked to contact the sheriff’s Detectives Bureau at 209-385-7472. You can leave an anonymous tip at the Sheriff’s Office tip line at 209-385-7547 or SheriffTips@countyofmerced.com.
The Modesto Bee
Jim Silva has been involved in covering local sports and news for The Modesto Bee and Merced Sun-Star since 1996. He graduated with a degree in journalism from San Jose State.