Dos Palos police seek couple who may be leaving state

Dos Palos police are looking for a couple who they believe are attempting to flee the state with their children, who were in custody of Merced County Social Services.

Police believe Amanda and Mickey Ray have their children, a 3-year-old boy and an 18-month- old girl. Officers don't believe the parents would intentionally hurt the children, but cite a history of drug abuse and other crimes as the reason for their concern. Investigators have been searching for Mickey Ray, a parolee at large, for several months as part of an investigation into numerous vehicle thefts. Officer Cliff Battles saw several people attempting to pack property belonging to Amanda Ray. He talked with the woman and warned her of the risk, and she put Ray's belongings back.

Social workers from Merced County attempted to locate Amanda Ray on Tuesday morning but she was gone. Confidential sources told police that she was planning to leave the state with her children.

If anyone knows the location of Mickey or Amanda Ray or their children, contact the Dos Palos Police Department at (209) 392-2176.

-- Sun-Star staff