‘Low-crime’ holiday weekend in Merced County

One armed robbery in Livingston and an argument involving a firearm in Merced punctuated an otherwise quiet Thanksgiving holiday in Merced County, according to local law enforcement agencies.

Eleven people were arrested for DUI-related incidents in Merced County between Wednesday and Sunday night, agencies confirmed.

The Merced County Sheriff’s Department said there were no serious incidents over the extended holiday weekend in their jurisdiction. Sgt. Delray Shelton said deputies hope residents will remain vigilant and safe over the Christmas holiday.

“A peaceful and low-crime holiday is a good holiday in our eyes,” Shelton said.

The California Highway Patrol reported seven drunken-driving arrests between Wednesday night and Sunday night during its maximum enforcement period. Officer Moises Onsurez said there were no major injury collisions.

A 29-year-old store clerk was beaten and robbed at gunpoint Saturday in Livingston by two people, who remain at the large. Officers said the two individuals entered the Amigos Market around noon Saturday, took an undisclosed amount of money and pistol-whipped the clerk. No arrests have been made.

Livingston police also reported a cluster of four burglaries Friday in the 2000 block of F Street. Officers said numerous items were taken including stereo equipment, jewelry and clothing. An estimate of total losses was not available.

Livingston police on Monday arrested Luis Reyna, 22, after a brief foot chase in the 1200 block of Ninth St. Reyna allegedly was trying to break into a home when he ran from police. Police are looking into the possibility that Reyna may have been involved in other recent burglaries in Livingston, Lt. Chris Soria said.

Livingston police made two drunken-driving arrests over the holiday.

A 20-year-old alleged gang member was arrested Thanksgiving Day in Merced after he allegedly pointed a gun at a woman during an argument. No one was injured. Abel Jimenez was booked into the Merced County jail on suspicion of assault with a firearm on a person, criminal street gang participation and other charges in connection with the incident.

Merced police on Monday said they were still working on a report of total activity over the holiday and did not have any statistics available. According to crimemapping.com, there were no drunken-driving arrests reported in Merced over the holiday.

Atwater police reported two DUI arrests over the holiday and officers said there were no major incidents. Lt. Samuel Joseph credited a special three-man task force assembled for Black Friday shopping with preventing any significant crimes.

“They were able to diffuse situations in stores before they escalated, and people said they felt more secure carrying packages through parking lots because their vehicles weren’t getting broken into and they weren’t being bothered by people loitering,” Joseph said.

This story was originally published December 1, 2014 at 1:48 PM with the headline "‘Low-crime’ holiday weekend in Merced County."