Merced burglary suspect arrested

A 27-year-old man was arrested Saturday on suspicion of committing a burglary at a south Merced business, police reported.

Just after 2 a.m. officers responded to Pacific Pride Landscape in the 200 block of Riggs Avenue for a burglary alarm, according to a Merced police press release.

Upon their arrival at the scene, officers spotted Joseph Duane Jones, 27, walking out of some bushes. Officers found the gate lock to the business had been cut, along with locks on two trailers and a metal shop building inside the business.

The suspect admitted to officers that before law enforcement arrived he had cut the locks at the business and also stole a shop vacuum and gas can. Jones also had large bolt cutters in his possession, according to police.

Jones was arrested and booked on suspicion of commercial burglary, possession of burglary tools and possession of stolen property.

Police are asking anyone with information to contact detectives at (209) 385-4702 or the department’s automated tipline at (209) 385-4725.

This story was originally published January 10, 2015 at 10:26 PM with the headline "Merced burglary suspect arrested."