Man suspected of Merced auto parts shop burglary is back on the streets

Merced police this week reported the arrest of man suspected of burglarizing a Carquest auto parts shop.

According to a news release, Jesus Meza, 31, was arrested for the alleged burglary at the 1607 V St. business.

Officers on Saturday responded to a commercial burglary alarm at the shop and found a broken front window.

Shop employees spotted a suspect on surveillance cameras. He had stolen six ratcheting wrench sets valued at about $400, and then fled on foot, police said.

The following day, employees notified police about additional footage showing the suspect’s face. Police identified Meza and on April 13 took him into custody on suspicion of commercial burglary and committing a crime during a state of emergency.

According to police, Meza was cited and released because of current booking policies at the Merced County Jail. Last month the Sheriff’s Office said it was coordinating with other law enforcement agencies to cite and release some low level offenders, rather than holding them at the jail, as a precaution from introducing the coronavirus into the jail.

Merced police are asking anyone with any information regarding this crime to contact Officer Wilson at (209) 769-7428 or the Merced Police Department Tipster Line at (209) 385-4725. The public can send information via anonymous text messages to police department by dialing “TIP411” (847411) and including the word “Comvip” as the “keyword” in the text message.

This story was originally published April 17, 2020 at 8:16 AM.