Motorist Arrested for Alleged DUI, Passenger for Allegedly Discharging Firearm Recklessly
SANTA NELLA, CA — “On November 1st, 2025, at 1:23 am, Deputy Casas was patrolling in the area of Henry Miller, East of I-5 in Santa Nella, when he heard several shots being fired. Shortly after, he observed a vehicle drive by him at a high rate of speed. Deputy Casas stopped the vehicle and located several shell casings inside the car, along with a 1911 Rock Island handgun. The passenger, identified as Ignacio Morales Jr, 20, from Los Banos, was placed under arrest for negligent discharge of a firearm and booked into the Merced County Sheriff’s Office Jail.
The driver of the vehicle, identified as Jesus Morales Espinoza, 21, from Los Banos, was also arrested for Driving Under the Influence. At this time, no injuries or property damage have been reported. Anyone with additional information regarding this case is urged to contact the Merced County Sheriff’s Office at 209.385.7445; callers may remain anonymous.”
