Suspects arrested while trying to steal wheels at dealership, Merced, police say

Two theft suspects were arrested while attempting to steal wheels from a Merced automotive dealership, according to police.

The Merced Police Department said that at about 3 a.m. Monday, an officer located a suspicious vehicle at the Merced Honda automotive dealership in the 1700 block of Auto Center Drive.

Police said the officer found 21-year-old Alexis Burton, sitting in the passenger seat of the vehicle. While speaking with Burton, the officer heard noise coming from the dealership parking lot.

Another officer arrived and the officers found 26-year-old Ricardo Molina exiting the lot. When officers checked the lot, they found that Molina was in the process jacking up one of the vehicles to remove the wheels.

Both Burton and Molina were arrested on suspicion of attempted grand theft, police said. Police say they have investigated multiple wheel thefts over the past month.

At this time, police said it is unknown if the two suspects are tied to any of the other thefts.

Police ask anyone with information about this alleged crime to contact Officer Elliot at 209-388-7723 or elliotc@cityofmerced.org. Information can also be provided by calling the Merced Police Department Tipster Line at 209-385-4725.

This story was originally published May 27, 2020 at 11:09 AM.