Man arrested in Merced after crashing vehicle and being found with drugs, police say

A man was found with narcotics after crashing a vehicle into fire hydrant while attempting to flee from police on Saturday, according to police.

At about 7:52 p.m. Saturday, officers with the Merced Police Department Gang Violence Suppression Unit made a traffic stop in the 300 block of M Street, according to a news release.

During an investigation, the driver, identified as 50-year-old Francisco Baez, fled in the vehicle, police said. Officers pursued Baez until the vehicle crashed into a fire hydrant near the intersection of San Augustine Avenue and Cassis Drive.

According to authorities, Baez then ran from the vehicle holding a bag. He was captured and taken into custody after a short chase.

Police said the bag Baez was holding contained two pounds of crystal methamphetamine. According to police, Baez also threw a bag of narcotics out of the vehicle’s window during the pursuit.

Baez was arrested and booked into Merced County Jail on suspicion of several narcotics charges, felony evading in a motor vehicle, resisting arrest and a gang enhancement.

Police ask anyone with information regarding the alleged crime to contact Officer Odom at 209-388-7814 or by email at odoms@cityofmerced.org.