Task Force arrests gang members in Winton, Atwater
The Merced Multi-Agency Gang Task Force reported arrests during a weeklong operation targeting gang activity in Winton and Atwater, according to a task force press release.
Agents said the arrests included three validated gang members who possessed guns.
On Thursday agents contacted several people loitering in the 2800 block of Determine Drive in Atwater, a known gang and drug area.
As agents approached the group, Jake LeBeaux, 27, of Atwater tried to flee on foot. As he was running, he pulled a loaded semi-automatic 9 mm pistol from his waist and threw it away.
Agents caught LeBeaux and arrested him without incident. In addition to being a gang member, LeBeaux is a convicted felon on probation, according to agents.
LeBeaux was booked at the Merced County jail on suspicion of several felonies and gang enhancements. Three other gang members were cited and released on suspicion of misdemeanor crimes.
Around 7 p.m. Friday, agents were conducting surveillance when they saw several narcotic transactions allegedly taking place in the 1200 block of Broadway in Atwater.
Agents identified two gang members, Donovan Perez, 26, and Fernando Elvira, 25, both of Atwater. During a search of a vehicle linked to Perez, agents reported finding a loaded semi-automatic .380-caliber pistol underneath the seat Perez was sitting in, according to the press release.
Both men were detained as agents investigated the drug activity that had allegedly been taking place, authorities reported.
Agents served two search warrants on nearby addresses identified during the investigation. During the search, agents found a large amount of methamphetamine and marijuana in Perez’s apartment.
Across the hall from Perez’s unit, agents searched Elvira’s apartment and found evidence of marijuana sales, along with a bulletproof vest and another semi-automatic .380-caliber pistol.
Elvira and Perez, who are both on parole and validated gang members, were booked at the Merced County jail on suspicion of narcotics and gun offenses, along with gang enhancements. A juvenile at the scene was arrested and released to his parents.
Anyone with information about the cases can contact Agent D. Frank or Sgt. Rodney Court of the Merced Multi-Agency Gang Task Force at (209) 385-7383, ext. 4973. Tips are kept confidential and callers can remain anonymous.
This story was originally published November 16, 2014 at 3:09 PM with the headline "Task Force arrests gang members in Winton, Atwater."