Video of alleged Los Banos burglary attempt leads to suspect arrest, police say

A Los Banos man has been arrested after he was allegedly captured on surveillance video attempting to break into a business, police said.

Sgt. Chet Stygar was on patrol when he observed a dark colored Honda sedan leaving the area of 900 block of West Pacheco Boulevard at a high rate of speed at about 12:30 a.m. Monday, according to a police department Facebook post.

Police said the sergeant noticed a damaged front glass door to a local business. It appeared he had interrupted a burglary in progress.

According to police, Officer Juan Soriano observed the suspect vehicle a short time later driving east before pulling over in the 600 block of Pacheco Boulevard.

Officers Soriano and others contacted the driver or the the vehicle, identified as John Robert Desa, 39, of Los Banos.

During the investigation, officers observed video surveillance at the crime scene and were able to confirm the suspect vehicle’s license plate. The suspect was also recorded by the surveillance system wearing distinctive clothing and a mask while trying to break into the business, police said.

Officers searched the suspect vehicle and found clothing worn during the alleged burglary attempt, plus a ski mask.

Authorities said Desa resisted officers as they tried to arrest him and place him in a police vehicle. He was booked into Merced County Jail on suspicion of felony attempted commercial burglary, vandalism and misdemeanor resisting arrest, according to jail records.