Officer Nearly Struck by Suspect’s Vehicle During 11 Mile Pursuit
Photo: File photo of Matthew Tijerina| Courtesy of Merced PD
On November 19th Merced Police Officer Alejandro Arias was almost struck by a silver Honda Pilot when it drove into the on-coming traffic lane and attempted to hit him.
The Honda Pilot was being driven by suspect Matthew Tijerina (23). Tijerina was arrested by Officer Arias for felony assault on a peace officer, felony vehicle pursuit, and felony arrest warrants.
The suspect took Officers on an 11 mile pursuit. During the pursuit Tijerina slowed the vehicle to lean out and make obscene gestures at the pursuing officers. The pursuit finally ended when the officers successfully deployed spike strips and the suspect’s vehicle became un-drivable. Tijerina was then taken into custody with no further incident. Thankfully there were no injuries or damage to any of the vehicles involved other than the suspect’s. Tijerina was booked into the Merced County Jail.
If anyone has any information that could assist with the investigation please contact Officer Alejandro Arias at 209-388-7705 or by email at ariasa@cityofmerced.org .
You can also report crimes at the Merced PD website: https://www.cityofmerced.org/departments/police
