Two occupants of an SUV were left in critical condition Thursday evening after being shot at Caswell Avenue and Fifth Street during a street chase.

No arrests have yet been made and the motive for the shooting remains unclear.

A flood of calls about shots fired were made to Ceres Police dispatchers at 8:03 p.m. reporting gunshots were being fired in the area of Central Avenue and Evans Road. Officers quickly located two badly wounded victims in a bullet-riddled silver 2005 Dodge Durango stopped on the side of the road of Central Avenue and Chablis Way. The man driving the pickup sustained a gunshot wound to the back while his adult female passenger sustained a gunshot wound to the head. Ceres officer provided first aid until the ambulance arrived. Both victims were transported to an area hospital where they are in critical condition.

Detectives learned that the shooting began as the Durango was being chased by a dark-colored vehicle westbound on Caswell Avenue. The first volley of gun fire was heard on Caswell Avenue near Fifth Street. The chase turned north on Central Avenue when a second volley of gunfire was heard. Investigators found spent shells at both locations. It appears that the wounded driver of the SUV continued north on Central Avenue where it stopped at Chablis Way. The suspect's vehicle fled the area.

Anyone who can help Ceres Police piece together what happened or identity the occupants of the dark-colored vehicle is encouraged to call Detective Bryan Ferreira at 538-5616. Anonymous tips may be left on 538-5740.