Full Notification

During the course of the robbery investigation, detectives identified 22-year-old Michael Velasquez as a suspect in the August 30, 2014, strong-arm robbery at Snow Goose Park.
On September 9, 2014, Los Banos Police Detectives served a search warrant at the home of Michael Velasquez and Librado Velasquez, 18, in the 600 block of Widgeon Court. Both brothers were arrested; Michael for the strong-arm robbery and Librado for the September 1, 2014, stabbing in the 2100 block of Palermo Drive.
Michael Velasquez was arrested and booked into the Los Banos Police Department Jail Facility on charges of conspiracy to commit a crime and robbery. Librado Velazquez was arrested on charges of assault with a deadly weapon, assault and participation in a criminal street gang. Both Michael and Librado Velasquez are out of custody on bail.
“This case was solved because residents living in the area were involved in the case; and it is again another example of the community and police department working together to combat crime in Los Banos.”
- Gary Brizzee, Chief of Police
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
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**Original Press Release – September 5, 2014**
On August 30, 2014, at approximately 7:11 p.m., Officer Darren Cole was dispatched to the 600 block of Widgeon Court to investigate a reported strong-arm robbery. Upon arrival Officer Cole contacted the victim, a 62-year-old Los Banos man.
The man told police he was walking by Snow Goose Park and went into the park restroom. The man told the officer he was attacked by two males inside the restroom. The suspects took the victim’s wallet containing an undisclosed amount of cash and fled the area.
A witness in the area reportedly saw the man talking to a young heavy set black female adult near the restrooms. The witness told police he lost sight of the man and woman as they walked behind the restrooms together. A red SUV described as similar to a Chevrolet Blazer drove up and parked near the restrooms. Two males (early 20’s) described as having a medium build entered the park restroom. Seconds later, the same two males ran out of the restroom and fled the area in a red SUV.
The suspects were last seen driving west on Snow Goose Drive from the park.
“Detectives are aggressively pursuing new leads and talking to witnesses as this investigation continues to develop.”
- 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
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