Merced police gang unit reports weapon arrests

The Merced Police Department’s Gang Violence Suppression Unit reported several arrests in recent days for alleged weapon violations.

The most recent arrests were reported just after 11 p.m. Saturday at a Barbados Court residence, according to a Merced police news release.

Officers conducted a probation/parole search on the residence and contacted several gang members inside the home.

During the search of the residence, Officer Ramon Ruiz located a loaded 9 mm handgun with a laser sight, the release said.

Officers arrested suspects Jake Lebeaux, 26; Serena Mays, 32; Jermaine Ewing, 35; Fredrick Mays, 27; Ismael Brewer, 34; Daniel Johnson, 23; and Anthony Cooper, 37, on suspicion of possession of a firearm, possession of ammunition, probation violation and gang enhancements.

The other case was reported around 7:50 p.m. Friday in the 2600 block of Atwater Boulevard near Atwater.

The Merced Police Gang Violence Suppression Unit and Merced County Gang Task Force served a search warrant on a residence, and officers contacted Frankie Lucio Jr., 28. After serving the warrant, officers found a shotgun and ammunition. Lucio was arrested on suspicion of possession of a weapon.

This story was originally published February 22, 2015 at 2:39 PM with the headline "Merced police gang unit reports weapon arrests."