Planada man arrested after police chase

A 25-year-old Planada man was arrested Sunday after allegedly leading Merced police on a chase while riding a stolen all-terrrain vehicle, the Police Department reported.

Omar Maravilla was identified as the rider whom police first stopped just after 9 a.m. near East Santa Fe Avenue and Glen Avenue. Maravilla allegedly ran a stop sign on Glen Avenue and pulled over when police conducted a traffic stop, officers said in a news release.

Maravilla, however, sped away a short time later, police said.

Officers chased the rider on East Santa Fe to Stretch Road, where he reportedly entered an almond orchard and fled on foot. Maravilla ran across railroad tracks and hid in a backyard, police said.

Officer Brian Rinder and his canine partner, Rex, located Maravilla after a brief search, police said.

The four-wheeler had recently been reported stolen and was returned to its owner, police said.

Maravilla was booked at Merced County jail on charges of possession of stolen property and failing to yield to an emergency vehicle as well as on an outstanding felony warrant.

This story was originally published December 20, 2015 at 3:13 PM with the headline "Planada man arrested after police chase."