Two arrested after Winton high-speed pursuit with Merced County Sheriff’s deputies

Two people were arrested Wednesday, following a vehicle pursuit in Merced County, according to authorities.

The Merced County Sheriff’s Office Investigations Bureau was conducting surveillance in the area of Shaffer Avenue in Winton, while looking for Gerardo Valencia Jr., 29, according to a Merced County Sheriff’s Office news release.

Authorities said Valencia had a warrant for his arrest and was wanted for domestic violence and assault with a deadly weapon.

After observing a vehicle Valencia had been a passenger in, traveling in the north Winton area, Deputy Dustin Bender attempted to stop the vehicle and a short high-speed pursuit ensued, according to the Sheriff’s Office.

During the pursuit the vehicle crashed into an orchard. Valencia and the driver of the vehicle, identified as Joanna Mendoza, 19, took off running from authorities. Mendoza had a warrant for a probation violation, according to the Sheriff’s Office.

With assistance from several detectives, the Supervised Release Team, patrol deputies and the Sheriff’s Office helicopter, both subjects were captured by authorities a short time later.

According to the release, Valencia was arrested and booked into Merced County Jail on suspicion of felony domestic violence and assault with a deadly weapon. Mendoza was arrested and booked into Merced County Jail on suspicion of violation of probation, false imprisonment and evading officers.

This story was originally published September 24, 2020 at 12:44 PM.