Oakdale Police responded to reports of gunfire early Tuesday morning, June 5 and apprehended a juvenile in possession of firearm minutes later.

The call came in about 8:30 a.m., as Oakdale Police received reports of a group of juveniles observed firing a firearm in an Oakdale city park in the 300 block of S. Yosemite Ave. near the railroad tracks. Officers began searching the area, assisted by additional information from citizens, and located a group of subjects matching the descriptions provided on Old Stockton Road just north of “A” Street a short time later.

During a detention of the juveniles, police located a revolver in the backpack of one of the male subjects, a 17-year-old criminal street gang member, believed to be the careless shooter from the park.

“We are thankful for the community members that worked with us in this quick apprehension,” said Oakdale Police Chief Scott Heller. “It clearly demonstrates our community and police will not tolerate crime in our parks, particularly from those choosing to associate with criminal street gang members.”

The 17-year-old was taken into custody and booked into Stanislaus County Juvenile Hall for charges related to the careless shooting and possession of the firearm.

At this time, it appears no one was injured when the firearm was discharged and officers continue to investigate the incident and encourage anyone that may have witnessed the incident or have further information to call Oakdale Police at 209-847-2231.