Four caught after running from police amid report of gunfire; one suspect sought
Four people were arrested on suspicion of gang-related activities after police officers responded to reports of gunfire and a fight Saturday morning in Merced.
The Merced Police Department answered the call at 7:32 a.m. in the 800 block of West 12th Street.
When officers arrived, they saw four men and one woman outside. All five ran through a house and into the backyard, according to police. Officers gave chase and caught four people identified as Rafael Patino, 18, Marcus Calvario, 19, Damien Coronado, 18, and Alexandra Saiz, 20.
The fifth person was not found.
Three of the four people apprehended are validated gang members within the city of Merced, according to police.
Officers said they found a stolen, loaded .38-caliber revolver on Coronado. A search of the home and vehicles there uncovered a loaded Smith and Wesson 9mm semi-automatic handgun, police said. The firearm had the serial numbers removed, according to police, and there were also 9mm cartridges found inside the residence.
The four people were booked at the Merced County Jail on suspicion of being a gang member in possession of a firearm, gang member in possession of ammunition, removing a serial number from a firearm, being in possession of stolen property and gang enhancements.
Merced Police are asking anyone with information to contact Officer Lupian at 209-385-6905. The public can send information via anonymous text messages by dialing “TIP411” (847411) and including the word “Comvip” as the “keyword” in the text message
