Suspect named in April homicide in Modesto

Stanislaus County Sheriff's Department detectives have identified a suspect in an April homicide and issued a warrant for his arrest.

Sergio Mercado is wanted in connection with the April 19 death of Omar Mendoza, 23, who was shot in the area of Dallas and Lassen avenues.

Mendoza had been involved in an argument with a family member, authorities said, when the family member left and Mendoza went outside. Mendoza, a member of the Sureño gang, stood on the street corner, yelling. A white sport utility vehicle with at least two people inside approached, and those inside took up an argument with Mendoza, which quickly turned gang-related, authorities said.

Shots were fired, leaving the 24-year-old dead and a 58-year-old female bystander wounded. Detectives believe Mercado is possibly in the Hayward or Fremont area.

To share information, please contact Stanislaus sheriff's Detective David Hickman at (209) 525-7042.

This story was originally published July 16, 2013 at 12:44 AM with the headline "Suspect named in April homicide in Modesto."