Attempted robbery claimed in Merced

Three men are in custody on accusations of attempting to rob an apartment manager Sunday afternoon in south Merced, police said.

The incident was reported shortly before 3 p.m. at the 117 E. 12th St. complex, according to Sgt. Bobby Chapman.

A 60-year-old man called police and said three people were about to rob him, and that one had a handgun in his waistband. Officer Nathan McKinnon and Detective Joe Deliman were in the area and went to the scene. Upon arrival, the manager pointed out Brandon Crane, 28, as one of the men who tried to rob him. Crane ran from the officers and jumped into a tan 2000 Buick Century, driving south on E Street, according to Chapman.

Additional officers responded and a pursuit of Crane ensued. Crane stopped the vehicle in the front yard of a home on Las Brisas Court and ran. Police found a second suspect, Randy Tyler, 27, in the car's back seat.

During the pursuit, McKinnon detained a third suspect, Devonte Tyler, 19, the brother of the second suspect. He was trying to leave the scene of the claimed robbery when he was detained, according to Chapman.

As officers looked for Crane, they reported finding a loaded .45-caliber handgun. Officers then learned Crane might be near East San Pedro Avenue. He was spotted hiding in a trash can, jumped out and ran, but was caught in an open field near East San Pedro and La Habra streets, Chapman said.

Police said Crane and Randy Tyler are on parole. The three men were booked at the Merced County Jail on suspicion of charges including attempted robbery, conspiracy, being a felon in possession of ammunition and a loaded handgun, felony evading law enforcement and parole violation.