GUSTINE — A 46-year-old Gustine man was arrested on the morning on Aug. 20 in connection with the fatal shooting of another man found on Hunt Road, according to the Merced County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies responded to the 4600 block of Hunt Road on Aug. 20 and discovered Gilberto Ramirez, 45, of Gustine, dead from a gunshot wound. Investigators quickly determined the case was a homicide and identified Timothy Fontes as the suspect.

Fontes was located down the street from the crime scene, and the Merced County Sheriff’s SWAT team was activated to assist with the arrest. He was taken into custody without incident and booked into the Merced County Jail on homicide charges.

Sheriff’s spokesperson Deputy Alexandria Britton said Ramirez had been working in the area at the time of the shooting. Authorities have not disclosed what led to the identification of Fontes or a possible motive. No other suspects are being sought.

Fontes has a criminal history in Merced County, including arrests for elder or dependent adult abuse and threats of violence in 2022. He was also arrested in 2020 for threats of violence and in 2018 for possession of a firearm and ammunition as a prohibited person.

Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact Detective Jose Sanchez at (209) 446-0405.