Originally published as a Merced Police Department Facebook post:
“Merced – Merced PD Gang Unit arrests a gang member in possession of a stolen firearm and narcotics.
On April 22, 2022 at approximately 5:22 PM, Merced PD Gang Officers Taylor Rocha and Justin Saldivar stopped a vehicle near Childs Ave and R St. There were several known gang members in the vehicle, one who was known to be on probation. As officers attempted to conduct a probation search of the vehicle Israel Juarez (32) admitted that he had a firearm on him.
When Officers attempted to detain Juarez to collect the firearm he tried to flee from them. Juarez was apprehended and a stolen 9mm handgun was found in his waistband. Juarez is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition. Officers also located cocaine and marijuana on Juarez when he was arrested.
Juarez was booked into Merced County jail for possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, gang enhancements, possession of narcotics and resisting and obstructing a peace officer.
Merced Police are asking anyone with any information regarding this crime to contact Officer Rocha at 209-388-7770 or by email at RochaT@CityofMerced.org.
Case Number: 22-23976″
