Armed robbery suspect arrested following pursuit in Merced, police say

Police have arrested one suspect and are looking for another after an armed robbery occurred at a gas station in Merced.

At 7:57 p.m. Tuesday, officers responded to the Chevron gas station at 1970 E. Childs Avenue, according to a Merced Police Department news release. According to authorities, two masked subjects entered the store and demanded money while one of them was armed with a rifle.

Police said both suspects fled in a white Toyota Avalon. At about 2:50 a.m. Wednesday, authorities attempted to stop the suspect vehicle, which had been observed driving south on G Street.

The driver, identified as 20-year-old Cole Barron, drove off and police were involved in a short vehicle pursuit. Following a short foot chase, Barron was apprehended and arrested by officers. According to police, Barron admitted to taking part in the robbery.

He was booked into Merced County Jail on suspicion of felony second degree robbery, conspiracy, evading and misdemeanor resisting, according to jail records. Police said another person believed to be involved in the robbery is still outstanding.

Anyone with information regarding the alleged crime is asked to contact Sgt. Haygood at 209-385-6998 or by email at haygoodk@cityofmerced.org.

Some crimes can be reported through the Merced Police Department website and anonymous tips can be submitted by calling 209-385-4725.

Anonymous tips can also be submitted to law enforcement through the Merced Area Crime Stoppers website.

This story was originally published September 7, 2022 at 10:31 AM.