An 18-year-old Latino man was shot twice early Sunday morning and is in critical condition following a possibly gang related shooting where a large group of young people were gathered for a party.

Approximately 200 young persons were gathered at a home in the 3200 block of Sixth Street for a party advertised through social media, said Ceres Police Department spokesman Sgt. Jose Berber. Two groups confronted each other in the back yard and witnesses said an exchange of multiple shots was fired at each other. The victim, who was struck once in the chest and once in the neck with an unknown caliber round, was given first aid until paramedics arrived. He was rushed to a Modesto hospital where he was in critical condition.

The shooting, which was reported at 12:22 a.m., caused a multitude of people running from the home.

"We do not know if the victim was involved in this confrontation," said Sgt. Berbers. "There are early indications this was gang related but the motive has not been confirmed."

An investigation is underway and Ceres Police detectives are encouraging anyone to volunteer information by calling Detective Bryan Ferreira at 538-5616; or by calling the Stanislaus Area Crime Stoppers at 521-4636; or the new Ceres Police tip line at 538-5740.