Full Notification

Police have arrested the last outstanding suspect in connection with the September 1, 2014, stabbing in the 2100 block of Palermo Drive. Los Banos Police Detectives authored a warrant for the arrest of
18-year-old Jacob Bass on charges of assault with a deadly weapon, assault and participation in a criminal street gang.

On September 15, 2014, Officer Telan Hosaka of the Gustine Police Department responded to a call for service in 1400 block of Edith Drive in Gustine, California. Officer Hosaka ran a routine warrant check on Bass and learned he was wanted in connection with the stabbing.

“We are pleased to see those responsible for this crime have been arrested and will be held accountable for their actions.”
- Jason Hedden, Police Commander

Bass was booked into the Los Banos Police Department Jail on charges of assault with deadly weapon, assault and participation in a criminal street gang. He remains in custody at the John Latorraca Correctional Facility in lieu of $80,250.00 bail.

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 – Update - Press Release - September 10, 2014**
Gang Members Arrested in Connection with Stabbing at Party

On September 9, 2014, Los Banos Police Detectives with the assistance of the Merced County

Gang Task Force, Merced County Narcotic Task Force and State Parole served search warrants at three locations in connection with the September 1, 2014, stabbing in the 2100 block of Palermo Drive.

The warrants were served at homes in the 1400 block of East B Street, 400 block of Pisa Street and the 600 block of Widgeon Court.

Nicholas Leon, 19, Libardo Velazquez, 18 and a 17-year-old boy were arrested on charges of assault with a deadly weapon, assault and participation in a criminal street gang for their roles in the stabbing.

“We are grateful to our friends at the Merced County Gang Task Force, Merced County Narcotics Task Force and State Parole for their help in serving these warrants.”
- Ivan Mendez, Detective Sergeant

Leon remains in custody at the Los Banos Police Department Jail Facility in lieu of $80,250.00 bail. The 17-year-old juvenile is in custody at the Iris Garrett Juvenile Justice Correctional Complex and Velazquez is currently out on bail.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Detective Sean Bayard at (209) 827-7070, extension 115.

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**Original Press Release - September 3, 2014**
Police - Gang Members Suspected in Weekend Stabbings

Police responded to reports of two stabbings at house parties this Labor Day weekend. On August 30, 2014, at approximately 11:45 p.m., officers were dispatched to Memorial Hospital Los Banos after the victim of a stabbing arrived at the emergency room for treatment.

The victim told police he was having a party at his residence in the 500 block of Birchwood Avenue. The victim was standing in his driveway, when he was confronted by a group of four Hispanic males in their mid to late teens. A verbal exchange occurred between the victim and the group and a gang slogan was called out by the group. A suspect described only as a Hispanic male, wearing gray shorts and black pants approached the victim and stabbed him at least once.

The group fled the area; last seen running eastbound on Birchwood Avenue following the assault.

On September 1, 2014, at approximately 1:39 a.m., officers responded to the 2100 block of Palermo Drive for a disturbance involving a knife or gun. As the officers responded to the area, a second report was received from staff at Memorial Hospital Los Banos regarding a stabbing victim at the emergency room. The victim suffered non-life threatening injuries.

Officers learned the victim at the emergency room was assaulted at the party in the 2100 block of Palermo Drive. The party quickly grew to a crowd of more than 40 people. A group of four or five males described as gang members arrived and a verbal altercation occurred when the group was asked to leave the party. During the altercation between the unwanted guest and partygoers, at least one person was stabbed.

The victims in both cases were treated and released.

At this time we have no reason to believe the incidents are connected, but Detectives have not
ruled out the possibility.

“Social media can quickly lead to a party spiraling out of control. Parents should monitor their teen’s social media accounts and take an active role in knowing their child’s whereabouts. Most importantly, call police at the first sign of trouble.”
- Jason Hedden, Police Commander

The National Crime Prevention Council offers several tips for safety on social networking websites. Visit their website at www.ncpc.org for more information.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Detective Sean Bayard at (209) 827-7070, extension 115.