Suspects in Merced car pursuit, crash arrested. Dozen firearms seized, police say

Two people have been arrested following a police chase Wednesday that resulted in a five-vehicle collision at G Street and Olive Avenue, according to Merced police.

Officers with the Merced Police Department’s Gang Violence Suppression Unit attempted to stop a white Infiniti FX50S for speeding at 1:31 p.m. Wednesday on Donna Drive in Merced, according to a news release.

But the vehicle, driven by 22-year-old Gilberto Ramirez, failed to yield and led officers on a pursuit through Merced until it crashed into four vehicles on G Street and Olive Avenue, the release states. No one reported injuries in the collision, police said.

Ramirez and a passenger, 19-year-old Lessly Diaz, were removed from the vehicle and arrested. according to the release. During the investigation, officers executed a search warrant on Ramirez’s home on Vaca Way where they found three shotguns, two handguns, ammunition, a bulletproof vest and stolen property.

Police also searched a storage unit connected to Ramirez and found eight rifles.

Ramirez was arrested on suspicion of evading police, reckless driving, receiving stolen property and being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition, the release states. Diaz was arrested for receiving stolen property.

Anyone with information is being asked to contact GVSU Sgt. Brian Rodriguez at 209-385-4710 or GVSU@cityofmerced.org.

Information can be sent to the police department’s tipster line at 209-385-4725, and anonymous tips can be sent through text message by messaging to the number 847411, or “TIP411,” and including the word “Comvip” as the text message keyword.

This story was originally published December 12, 2019 at 9:12 AM.