An off-duty Merced County Sheriff’s deputy was shot and wounded Sunday after a man opened fire outside a Turlock bar.

The deputy is currently in stable condition and expected to recover from his injury, according to the Turlock Police Department.

The shooting happened around 2:30 a.m. Sunday in the 100 block of S. First Street.

The shooter had been in one of the establishments on S. First Street before walking out to the street and firing his gun. The shooter fired in the direction of the victim, who was standing outside with three other people. It’s unknown if the shooter was specifically targeting the victim or just the group in general.

The victim had not been in the same establishment as the suspect prior to the shooting, said Turlock Police spokesperson Deandra Wiley.

The first Turlock Police officers to arrive at the scene found the victim with at least one gunshot wound and began administering first aid until paramedics arrived.

The suspect left the scene prior to police arrival, in a grey sedan or sport utility vehicle.

The suspect was described as an adult Hispanic male, about 40 years of age, standing 5 feet, 10 inches to 6 feet tall and weighing approximately 200 pounds. He was wearing a blue polo shirt and blue jeans.

Investigators believe there were multiple witnesses and that the incident was possibly video recorded.

Anyone with any information is encouraged to contact Detective Frank Navarro at (209) 664-7319. To remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at (209) 521-4636 and you may be eligible for a cash reward. People can also contact the Turlock Police Department’s Tip Line at (209) 668-5550 ext. 6780 or email at tpdtipline@turlock.ca.us, if they wish to remain anonymous.