Uncle suspected of shooting nephew in Empire

EMPIRE -- An Empire man is wanted by police on suspicion of shooting his nephew Thursday evening.

About 9 p.m., Jess Piehlers, 43, was drinking alcohol at his home in the 200 block of Church Street with his 34-year-old nephew when the two began to argue, according to sheriff's deputy Royjindar Singh.

During the argument, Piehlers got a shotgun and chased his nephew outside, Singh said. The nephew got into his car and, as he was driving away, Piehlers fired through the windshield, hitting the victim in the head and arm, Singh said.

As the victim sped away, several more shots were fired in his direction, Singh said.

A neighbor called police as the victim drove to his father's house in Ceres.

Ceres police went to the home, but did not find anyone there.

The father had taken the victim to a hospital in Modesto, where deputies were called to respond, Singh said. The victim's injuries were not life-threatening.

In Empire, other deputies as well as Ceres police officers surrounded Piehlers' home. They ordered Piehlers to come out of the home several times before determining he was not inside.

They searched the empty home and issued a warrant for his arrest, Singh said.