Merced Police arrest five gang members, seize three guns

A vehicle pursuit in the early morning hours of New Year’s Day led to police arresting five validated gang members and seizing three weapons, including an assault rifle.

Officers responded to 655 W. 25th Street around 12:20 a.m. Thursday after receiving a call reporting shots being fired at a “gang party.” As officers arrived at the home, they heard several more shots being fired.

Police arrested two women in front of the residence that were intoxicated, according to Sgt. Curt Gorman. However, several people ran inside the house and closed the door as officers approached, he said. Officers tried calling them out, Gorman said, but the residents did not cooperate. The Police Department’s gang unit stayed in the area to observe the house.

Two vehicles approached the home a short time later and picked up several people from the house, Gorman said. Officers tried to stop the two vehicles, but the occupants jumped out and fled on foot. Police caught and arrested D’ante Bolden, 24, and Mark Straus Jr., 22, at Applegate Park. Both men were in possession of handguns.

From the second car, three males were arrested near 20th and M Streets after a foot pursuit: Adrian Sanchez, 36, Adrian Mariano, 24, and a juvenile male. Officers recovered an SKS assault rifle from the vehicle.

All five suspects were booked on several felony charges at the Merced County jail, including being in possession of a firearm and gang enhancements.

This story was originally published January 1, 2015 at 4:50 PM with the headline "Merced Police arrest five gang members, seize three guns."