Molotov cocktail thrown at Merced deputy investigating domestic disturbance, sheriff says
A Merced County Sheriff’s deputy is uninjured after a Molotov cocktail was thrown at her while responding to a domestic disturbance in Delhi, the sheriff’s office says.
A Molotov cocktail is a simple incendiary device – in this case, a glass bottle filled with gasoline, stuffed with a towel and lit on fire.
Deputies were called to a home on the 9700 block of Sixth Street about 6:30 p.m. Thursday, according to a news release. Deputies learned that Alexander Vasquez, 21, had allegedly assaulted his girlfriend and locked himself inside a bedroom with her.
Family members called for help after hearing Vasquez yelling and throwing objects inside the room, the release says.
Vasquez refused to come out, according to the release. Deputy Mandilyn Ross went outside and attempted to see inside the bedroom from a window.
Vasquez threw the Molotov cocktail out the window toward Ross, according to the release. She was able to move out of the way, and the bottle exploded near her feet.
Deputies forced their way into the bedroom and found Vasquez holding another Molotov cocktail and a lighter. A taser was used to subdue Vasquez and he was taken into custody. He was also found to have a large hunting knife and a pellet gun concealed in his pants.
Vasquez was booked into the Merced County Jail for assault with a deadly weapon, possession of a destructive device and domestic battery.
