Two suspects arrested following string of burglaries in Merced
Two suspects have been arrested following an automobile burglary, according to a Merced Police Department release. Police say they have investigated multiple burglaries in the same area during the past month.
Police were dispatched at 1:54 a.m. Friday to the 700 block of West 14th Street for reports of two individuals fighting. The release identified the target business as E&J Auto Repair in Merced.
Upon arriving at the scene, police located the victim of an automobile burglary attempting to detain the suspect, 36-year-old Jose Lopez of Los Banos.
The burglary victim had allegedly seen Lopez break the glass and steal items from one of his vehicles.
A second suspect, 42-year-old Dora Zarate of Merced, was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit a crime and burglary. She is suspected of being the lookout for Lopez while he allegedly broke into the vehicle.
Lopez, who was on probation, is likely to be charged with felony and misdemeanor charges including burglary, conspiracy to commit a crime and vandalism. His probation was revoked on account of his arrest.
Both suspects were booked into the John Latorraca Correctional Facility in Merced. Lopez’s total bond was set at $82,000 and Zarate’s at $30,000.
This story was originally published January 31, 2020 at 8:22 PM.
