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Wanted Shooter Arrested
"Rover" Takes Over In Hunt
Merrill
Alex Merrill was wanted in connection with two Oakdale shootings from earlier this month. He was arrested Aug. 17 by Stanislaus Sheriff's deputies after a chase who had to use a canine unit for the arrest.

Alex Merrill was wanted in connection with two Oakdale shootings from earlier this month. He was arrested Aug. 17 by Stanislaus Sheriff's deputies after a chase who had to use a canine unit

A man wanted for two separate shootings in Oakdale, being a member of a street gang, and a felon in possession of a firearm was arrested by Stanislaus County sheriff’s deputies and a sheriff canine after a brief chase and extensive search late Thursday into early Friday morning, Aug. 17.

Alex Merrill, 20, of Oakdale, was being sought in connection with a pair of shootings from Aug. 2 where he fled from police after crashing a car into a residence.

According to the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department, Merrill went to a relative’s residence Thursday night around 9:20 p.m. The residents knew of Merrill’s wanted status and told him to leave.

In the process, Merrill forcibly took the keys to their vehicle, a white Toyota, and fled the area.

The sheriff’s department was contacted and minutes later, Deputy Wade Carr spotted Merrill and the car on Crows Landing Road near Hatch Road and attempted a traffic stop. Merrill and the vehicle sped away and a pursuit began. The car crashed near Grayson Road and Merrill ran from the scene.

After a three-hour search with assistance from Modesto PD and a sheriff’s helicopter, Merrill was found hiding near a pump house. He was still uncooperative and a canine unit was deployed to take him into custody.

Merill was booked into Stanislaus County Jail on the Oakdale arrest warrant and additional charges from this incident.

Oakdale Police anticipate interviewing Merrill in connection with the Aug. 2 shooting incidents.

For the full story, read the Aug 22. edition of The Leader