Man arrested after vehicle pursuit had drugs in his car, Merced police say

A suspect was found with narcotics following a vehicle pursuit in Merced County, police say.

Officers with the Merced Police Department Gang Violence Suppression Unit attempted a traffic stop along southbound Highway 99 at R Street at about 8 p.m. Saturday, according to a department news release.

Authorities said the vehicle accelerated and officers pursued the driver on Highway 99 until the vehicle became disabled near the Le Grand Road exit.

Police identified the driver as 60-year-old Michael Salazar, who had felony warrants out of Merced County. Salazar was arrested without further incident, police said.

During a search of the vehicle, police said officers found about one ounce of crystal methamphetamine, as well as evidence indicating sales of narcotics.

Salazar was booked into Merced County Jail on suspicion of felony evading in a motor vehicle, several narcotics charges and for local warrants, according to police.

Merced police as anyone with information regarding this case to contact Officer Barajas at 209-388-7814 or by email at barajasj@cityofmerced.org.

This story was originally published June 21, 2020 at 11:46 AM.