Four arrested amid search for fugitive in Merced

Officers searching the Ramada Inn on East Childs Avenue in Merced early Friday found three guns, methamphetamine and a large amount of stolen property in one of the hotel rooms and arrested four people, the Merced Police Department reported.

Investigators searched the room while trying to locate an unidentified fugitive. Officers did not release any other details regarding the fugitive search.

Merced police arrested Paul Candler, 26, Raymond Santisteven, 27, Ricky Ornelas, 31, and Christine Bemrose, 36, according to a police news release.

Investigators found antique jewelry, televisions, computers, hard drives, watches and other property believed to have been recently stolen from a home in unincorporated Merced County, according to police.

Police also found three firearms and an undisclosed amount of methamphetamine, officers said.

Candler was booked on suspicion of being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm, possession of a controlled substance while possessing a loaded firearm, possession of stolen property and a parole violation.

Ornelas was booked on suspicion of being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm, possession of stolen property and an outstanding felony warrant.

Santisteven was booked on charges of being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm, possession of a controlled substance while possessing a loaded firearm, and possession of stolen property.

Bemrose was arrested on suspicion of possession of stolen property.

“The investigation is ongoing and officers are attempting to locate other possible victims,” police said in the statement.

This story was originally published October 23, 2015 at 11:36 AM with the headline "Four arrested amid search for fugitive in Merced."