Full Notification

On March 17, 2014 the Los Banos Police Department responded to a residence in the 300 block of N. Santa Ana Street investigating an anonymous on-line report that suspect Cruz Vasquez was at the residence.

When Officers arrived Cruz Vasquez attempted to flee from a back door but was caught after jumping over a fence into a neighbor’s backyard. Officers also located suspected methamphetamine which Cruz Vasquez attempted to discard during the arrest. 20-year-old Teresa Campos of Los Banos was also placed under arrest for obstructing Officers during their investigation after she attempted to assist the suspect during his escape.

“This suspect attempted to elude our Officers twice, placing the public and our staff in danger. We are pleased that he is now in custody and we are grateful to the anonymous person who decided to get involved and assist in his capture.”
-Ray Reyna, Commander

Campos was booked into the Los Banos Police Department Jail and was issued a citation to appear in Merced County Superior Court at a later date. Cruz Vasquez is currently in custody at the Los Banos Police Department Jail pending $162,000.00 bail, charged with failure to yield to a law enforcement vehicle with disregard for public safety, resisting arrest, possession of a controlled substance, and concealing 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

* Original Press Release-March 14, 2014 *

On March 13, 2014 at approximately 2:01 a.m., Officer Paul Llanez was patrolling in 300 block of N. Santa Ana Street. The officer noticed a vehicle parked with the engine running, in front of a residence known for drug activity. Officer Llanez approached the vehicle and contacted the driver, Cruz Vasquez Jr., 33, of Dos Palos.
The officer told Vasquez Jr. to put the vehicle in park and turn off the vehicle; at that point Vasquez Jr. accelerated away from the officer at a high rate of speed. Officer Llanez activated his emergency lights and siren and a high speed chase ensued.

Vasquez Jr. eventually drove the vehicle into Vineyard Basin Park located in the 600 block of Vineyard Drive. Vasquez Jr. fled from the vehicle on foot and is believed to have hid in a residence in the area.
“We encourage residents to keep an eye out for Cruz Vasquez and report any information regarding his whereabouts to police. Our officers will not stop looking for him until he is arrested.”
- Jason Hedden, Police Commander
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