Driver and passenger arrested after pursuit, Merced police say

A chase that began as a vehicle pursuit and ended up on foot led to the arrest of two people, according to the Merced Police Department.

An officer attempted to pull over a gray Chevrolet Astro Van that did not have working tail lights in the area of Loughborough Drive and R Street about 11 a.m. Friday, police said.

The driver, later identified as Ervin Segebart, 24, of Winton, failed to stop, police said. The van, with officers in pursuit, was driven to Winton and then to Atwater, where Segebart got out and fled on foot, according to a news release.

A passenger, identified as Olivia McCoy, 22, also tried to get away.

Segebart was arrested a short time later in a Target parking lot, police said, after changing clothes and attempting to steal a second vehicle.

McCoy also was arrested quickly in a Wal-Mart lot, according to authorities.

Segebert was booked into the Merced County Jail on suspicion of multiple charges including possession of a stolen vehicle, attempted carjacking, evading, driving on a suspended or revoked license, and a parole violation, according to jail records.

McCoy was arrested on suspicion of possession of methamphetamine and cited and released, police said.

Details on why the officer first attempted to stop the van were not released.

This story was originally published July 26, 2020 at 4:10 PM.