Pair accused of burglary at downtown Merced tattoo shop, auto dealership

Two men were arrested early Sunday for allegedly breaking into a tattoo shop and a nearby auto dealership in downtown Merced.

Edmond Mathis III, 28, and Teone Tyler, 39, were both arrested on suspicion of commercial burglary.

Just after 5:30 a.m. officers were dispatched to Main Street Tattoo at 230 W. Main St. for a reported burglary in progress. As officers arrived, they saw damage to the back of the Auto Resources car dealership.

The officers heard a loud banging and made their way down the ally, according to a news release. The officers located Mathis and Tyler at the back door to Main Street tattoo, and watched as the suspects were trying to pry open the door to that business. The suspects were then taken into custody.

Officers were also able to make contact with the owner of Auto Resources. The owner arrived and identified property stolen from his business. The suspects were also arrested for the burglary to Auto Resources.

Police believe Mathis and Tyler may have burglarized other businesses in the area, however officers were not able to make contact with the other owner, the release said.

Merced Police are asking anyone with any information regarding this crime to contact Officer McCannon at 209-388-7848 or by email at mccannont@cityofmerced.org.

This story was originally published July 5, 2020 at 11:59 AM.