Three burglary suspects jailed

Three men were arrested Wednesday by Merced police and sheriff's deputies on suspicion of committing a string of burglaries in Merced.

The suspects, Merced resident Alfredo Milan Hernandez, 24, Martel Escobar Quiroz, 23, of Atwater, and Ismael Cruz Santana, 28, of Atwater, were taken into custody after police and detectives with the sheriff's Ag STAR Unit served a warrant at a residence in the 3000 block of Santa Fe Drive, according to Lt. Andre Matthews, Merced police spokesman.

The search yielded several items taken during auto burglaries. The items had a total estimated value of about $10,000 and included tools, security cameras and other items.

The theft ring has been tied to at least four burglaries, according to detectives.

Some of the items have been returned to their owners, Matthews said.

Hernandez, Quiroz and Santana were booked into the Merced County Jail on suspicion of possession of stolen property, possession of drugs and burglary.

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