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Friday, Feb. 05, 2010

Suspect in home invasion arrested

Investigators look for accomplice to early Monday crime.

Merced County sheriff's deputies arrested a suspect this week in a Winton home invasion.

Investigators say at least one suspect remains at large.

Merced resident James Newman, 41, was taken into custody Monday after deputies spotted him driving a stolen 2005 Dodge Ram pickup in the 200 block of West 19th Street in Merced, according to Deputy Tom MacKenzie, sheriff's spokesman.

Newman is accused of participating in a home invasion that happened between 2 a.m. and 3 a.m. Monday in the 8300 block of Walnut Avenue in Winton. Detectives believe Newman, and possibly two or more other suspects, entered the residence, tied up the occupants, and ransacked the home.

The suspects used duct tape and plastic ties to secure the three male and two female victims before stealing about $4,000 in property and cash, MacKenzie said.

Newman and the suspects also stole the 2005 Dodge Ram pickup, which belonged to the victims. No one was injured during the robbery.

Although about $1,000 worth of the stolen property was recovered, Newman said he'd sold some of it between the hours of 4 a.m. and 10 a.m. Monday.

Detectives are asking anyone who bought items from Newman between those hours to call (209) 385-7472. Calls are kept confidential, and you can remain anonymous.

Reporter Victor A. Patton can be reached at (209) 385-2431 or vpatton@mercedsun-star.com