Armed robbery suspect arrested after high-speed pursuit in Merced County

A man suspected of being involved in multiple robberies was arrested after a high-speed pursuit in Merced County, according to authorities.

Deputies responded about 7 a.m. Wednesday to a report of an armed robbery at a Shell gas station in the area of Interstate 5 and Nees Avenue, according to a Merced County Sheriff’s Office social media post.

The suspect, later identified as 38-year-old Anthony Torres, reportedly walked into the station’s store with a handgun and demanded the cashier hand over money from the register. Authorities said Torres took an unknown amount of cash and left in a white-colored Ford Escape.

Det. Diane Rentfrow responded to the scene and reviewed surveillance footage. Rentfrow worked with the Los Banos and Gilroy police departments and identified Torres as a suspect in several robberies including one recently in Los Banos, according to the post.

Los Banos police, in another social media post, stated Torres was a suspect in an Oct. 20 armed robbery at a convenience store in the 100 block of Pacheco Boulevard.

Torres was out on bail regarding a robbery that occurred in Merced County on Sept. 15, according to the Merced County Sheriff’s Office.

Authorities said that Torres was located later in the day in Los Banos and Los Banos Police Gang Unit officers attempted a vehicle stop. Officers said they eventually apprehended Torres after the vehicle crashed into a canal in the area of Center Avenue and Cotton Road in an unincorporated area of Merced County following a high-speed pursuit.

Police also served a search warrant in the 2100 block of Imperial Drive, according to Los Banos police.

Torres was arrested and treated for minor injuries prior to being booked into Merced County Jail on suspicion of felony evading, being a felon on bail and two counts of felony robbery, according to jail records.

He remains in custody in lieu of $250,000 bond.

This story was originally published October 28, 2021 at 5:04 PM.