An investigation into a drive-by shooting in a Turlock neighborhood has resulted in the arrest of one man and the recovery of stolen property belonging to an Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms agent.

Jeremiah Long, 26, of Turlock was arrested for discharging a firearm at a vehicle, but could face additional charges as the investigation continues, said Turlock Police Lt. Steve Williams.

The incident began shortly after 3 p.m. Tuesday when the police department received a report of shots fired in the 1100 block of Amberwood Lane. A suspect had fired six to seven rounds from a handgun into an unoccupied Buick regal parked on the street. The suspect was seen driving an older model Cadillac El Dorado, Williams said. Additional information revealed during the investigation was that the shooter might go by the first name of Jeremiah.

Around 9 p.m. Tuesday the street crimes unit from the police department was on patrol and spotted the vehicle in question at Jessica and G streets. They saw a man matching the description of the shooter get out of the vehicle and when they approached him he identified himself as Jeremiah Long, Williams said.

The suspect was detained and spontaneously told the officer that he had a .22-caliber rifle in the vehicle, Williams said.

A subsequent search of the vehicle turned up the rifle and two ATF patches and a badge. Long allegedly told the investigators that he got the patches and the badge from a friend.

The ATF was contacted by the TPD and they reported that an agent who lives in town had his car broken into and several ATF items were taken, Williams said.

A probation search was conducted at Long’s residence in the 1700 block of Greenhills Drive. A bag containing ATF-issued body armor was recovered, as well as, three to five pounds of marijuana, Williams said.

Long was questioned about the shooting and initially denied any involvement.  Williams said Long then changed his story and admitted to shooting a .357-caliber handgun at the vehicle. The shooting was over a drug debt, Williams said.

The investigation is ongoing.

To contact Sabra Stafford, e-mail sstafford@turlockjournal.com or call 634-9141 ext. 2002.