On March 8, 2014 at approximately 5:37 p.m., Officer Darren Cole and Detective Sean Bayard observed a group of known gang members and associates gathering in the 800 block of Illinois Avenue. The two officers decided to contact the group, recognizing at least one to be on active Merced County Probation.
A 14-year-old male juvenile fled east through the apartment complex as officers approached the group. Detective Bayard and Officer Cole pursued the juvenile suspect to the back parking lot area of an apartment complex in the 800 block of Illinois Avenue.
Detective Bayard observed the suspect drop a gun as he ran from the officers. The suspect continued to run in a southerly direction; he was later apprehended by Officer Cole in the area of West J Street and Illinois Avenue.
“These officers saw something that didn’t look right and stopped to investigate. Members of the community can also help curve criminal activity by calling police, when they get that feeling something isn’t quite right.”
-Jason Hedden, Police Commander
The juvenile was booked into the Iris Garrett Juvenile Justice Correctional Complex on weapons related charges, resisting arrest and destruction of evidence.
To leave an anonymous crime tip call 209-827-7070 Ext. 288. If you have access to a computer and the internet you can also leave an anonymous tip at the Police Department’s web page at www.losbanos.org. At the bottom of the “Contact” page simply click on the “report graffiti and other crime” link or visit the Merced Area Crime Stoppers by telephone at 1-855-725-2420, or at www.mercedareacrimestoppers.org
