20 suspected gang members arrested in Merced

Nearly two dozen suspected gang members were arrested over the weekend at a house party in Merced, the Police Department reported.

Police went to a home in the 1900 block of Almond Street in Merced shortly before 11 p.m. Friday after receiving a tip about a party involving underage drinking, gang members and weapons, Merced police said in a news release.

“The Gang Violence Suppression Unit and patrol officers responded to the residence and saw several gang members fleeing from the party,” police said in the statement. “Officers contacted several subjects at the party that were gang members on probation or parole.”

Officers seized five loaded firearms and arrested 20 people, including three juveniles.

Police reported arresting Carlos Sandoval, 21; Albert Soriano, 21; Anthony Cervantes, 20; Patrick Zirnhelt, 24; Reynaldo Roman, 21; Joseph Gonzalez, 22; Nicholas Quiroz, 18; Enrique Salinas, 18; Ruben Lucio, 24; Markus Leon-Guerrero, 20; DaJonte Padilla, 20; Angelo Guzman, 20; Armando Rodriguez, 18; Jose Nanez, 20; Evan Delosantos, 21; Stephan Graham, 26; Heriberto Lupian, 24; and three juveniles.

Each was described by police as a suspected gang member. They were arrested and booked into Merced County Jail on various allegations, including being a convicted felon in possession of a loaded firearm, ammunition and gang enhancements, according to Merced police.

This story was originally published October 25, 2015 at 3:31 PM with the headline "20 suspected gang members arrested in Merced."