Police foil alleged burglary

A 21-year-old burglary suspect was jailed Wednesday after a foot chase with Merced police officers.

Cesar Ortega was booked into the John Latorraca Correctional Facility on suspicion of attempted burglary and resisting arrest. Ortega was also wanted on two outstanding warrants, the Merced Police Department said in a news release.

He was still in custody Wednesday night without bail.

A second suspect escaped during the foot chase and remained at large Wednesday. A description of the second man was not available.

Lt. Andre Matthews said officers were patrolling in the area of the 700 block of Motel Drive around 3:30 a.m. Wednesday when Officer Mark Jenkins “heard what sounded like someone breaking into a vehicle” and spotted two people trying to break into a trailer in a hotel parking lot.

“The two suspects took off on bikes with Officer Jenkins chasing them first on foot,” police said in the prepared statement.

Officers caught up with Ortega in the area of Orchard Lane and East 20th Street.

Matthews said police noted a recent spike in vehicle burglaries in that area and beefed up patrols in response. He said there is no evidence to believe Ortega may be linked to any other recent thefts in the area, police said.

Officers are asking for the public’s help and information that will lead to the arrest of Ortega’s alleged accomplice.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Police Department’s tipline at (209) 385-4725 or send a text message to TIP411 using the keyword “comvip.” Tips are confidential and callers may remain anonymous.

This story was originally published October 29, 2014 at 7:21 PM with the headline "Police foil alleged burglary."