Suspects cited after throwing drugs from vehicle during pursuit, Merced police say

The Merced Police Department said a driver and four passengers have been cited after a bag of narcotics was thrown from a vehicle during a pursuit.

At about 7:17 p.m. Saturday, Merced Police Gang Violence Suppression Unit officers pursued a silver BMW that sped away from officers when they attempted to stop the vehicle for a traffic violation at Grogan and Wardrobe avenues, police said.

The vehicle’s occupants allegedly threw a bag of narcotics from the car during the pursuit, which came to an end at Highway 140 and Massasso Street, according to police.

Authorities arrested the driver of the vehicle, identified as Robert Chavez, 25, as well as four passengers: Stephen Johnson, 28, Amiel Hicks, 19, Cornelius Gilchrist, 28, and Carlos Martinez, 26, police said.

Police recovered the bag, which contained 182 ecstasy pills. Police said Chavez was also found to be in possession of a large sum of money.

Authorities said the suspects are validated gang members and were cited for possession of narcotics for sales, transportation of narcotics as well as gang enhancements.

Chavez also was cited for felony evasion and driving a vehicle with no license, according to police.

Police ask anyone with information regarding the incident to contact Officer Opinski at 209-769-6941.

This story was originally published May 3, 2020 at 1:12 PM.