Teens arrested in connection to suspected gang-related shooting, resident hit by bullet in home

SAN JUAN BAUTISTA, Calif. (KION) One adult and four teens were arrested after a shooting that the San Benito County Sheriff's Office believes is gang-related. During the shooting, a person was hit by a bullet while in their home.

The Sheriff's Office said five people were in a red Nissan Rogue on 5th Street in San Juan Bautista Wednesday evening when the driver, identified as 19-year-old Brian Moreno, passed a group of male minors near Polk Street. Investigators said Moreno did a U-turn and drove toward them.

As the car passed them, investigators said one of the four teens in the car with Moreno put his arm out the window and fired nine shots at the group while they ran away.

Several bullets hit and entered a nearby home. A resident was hit by a bullet and taken to a trauma center with non life-threatening injuries.

California State Park Rangers heard the shooting and responded immediately along with the Hollister Fire Department. Because Rangers got to the scene quickly, they were able to broadcast a "be on the lookout" for the Nissan.

Hollister police officers then went to spots where they thought the vehicle might get into the city. The Sheriff's Office said one of the officers saw the Nissan turn onto Union Road from eastbound Highway 156 and stopped the car.

Moreno, three 17-year-old boys and a 17-year-old girl from Hollister were all arrested. The Sheriff's Office said a handgun and several shell casings were found in the car.

The shooting is still under investigation, but investigators believe it is gang-related.

All five suspects were booked into the San Benito County Jail and charged with attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder, child endangerment and participation in a criminal street gang.