On October 5, 2014 at approximately 5:47 p.m., Motorcycle Officer Vanus Warren was working a traffic enforcement detail. The officer stopped a 2002 Ford Explorer for traffic violations near the intersection of Overland Avenue and Fairmont Street.
The officer learned the vehicle was stolen out of Santa Nella, California. The stolen vehicle was occupied by two females, the driver 31-year-old Jessica Garcia and passenger, 28-year-old Priscilla Saiz both of Los Banos. As Garcia stepped out of the vehicle she dropped a plastic baggie containing methamphetamine. Saiz was wanted for out of county warrants and she attempted to elude the officers in this case by providing a false name.
“We hold these zero tolerance traffic enforcement operations to educate drivers and hopefully reduce collisions. In this case the officer made a stop for a simple traffic violation and uncovered a stolen car and drugs. My hat’s off to officer Warren.”
- Gary Brizzee, Chief of Police
Jessica Garcia was arrested on charges of vehicle theft, possession of stolen property, possession of methamphetamine and possession of a prohibited weapon. Garcia remains in custody at the John Latorraca Correctional Facility in lieu of $120,000.00 bail. Priscilla Saiz was arrested on charges of possession of stolen property, providing false information to officers and out of county arrest warrants. Saiz remains in custody at the John Latorraca Correctional Facility without bail due to out of county felony warrants.
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
