On January 26, 2015 at approximately 10:42 a.m., Officer Jairo Acosta was on patrol when he observed 49-year-old James McRae of Dos Palos and 21-year-old Robert Miller of Los Banos parked at a car wash in the 1000 Block of Pacheco Boulevard. Officer Acosta recognized Miller to be on Merced County Probation, and approached the vehicle to conduct a compliance check.
As McRae stepped out of the vehicle he dropped a glass smoking pipe, containing suspected methamphetamine, and was placed under arrest. During a search, Officer Acosta also located a loaded handgun concealed on McRae’s person. A search of the vehicle revealed several hypodermic needles, marijuana, and additional methamphetamine smoking pipes which were determined to belong to both suspects. Miller was also placed under arrest.
“Great work Officer Acosta, I’m sure the good people of Los Banos join with me in thanking you for taking another gun off the street and away from criminals in our community.“
-Ray Reyna, Police Commander
McRae is currently in custody at the Los Banos Police Department Jail pending $100,000.00 bail, charged with felon in possession of a firearm, transportation of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, and possession of a loaded firearm. Miller is also in custody at the Los Banos Police Department Jail, being held without bail, charged with violation of probation conditions, possession of an unlawful weapon, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
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
