Man arrested in connection with East Cape shooting

A Dutchtown man has been charged with attempted murder in connection with a Sept. 13 shooting in East Cape Girardeau, Illinois, according to Illinois State Police.

Merced Martinez, 29, was arrested on a warrant by Cape Girardeau police in Missouri at 10:15 p.m. Sept. 18 near Main and Merriwether streets during a traffic stop, a spokesman for the Cape Girardeau Police Department said.

Illinois and Missouri authorities have been looking for four suspects in a pickup truck since the shooting, Illinois State Police said in a news release.

The suspects were seen arguing with a man later found with several gunshot wounds near Illinois Highway 146 in East Cape Girardeau, the release said.

The victim is expected to survive his injuries, according to police.

Alexander County State's Attorney Zach Gowin has charged Martinez with attempted murder, and extradition to return Martinez to Illinois is underway.

The arrest of Martinez was a cooperative effort by Illinois State Police, Missouri State Highway Patrol, Alexander County Sheriff's Office, Cape Girardeau and Cape Girardeau County authorities, Missouri police, the Missouri Information Access Center and the Statewide Terrorism Information Center in Illinois.

Pertinent address:

East Cape Girardeau, Ill.

Pertinent address:

East Cape Girardeau, Ill.