Two people cited in Merced alcohol sting

Two adults have been cited on suspicion of buying alcohol for minors, the Merced Police Department said in a news release.

Joshua Trindad, 23, and David Bushnell, 53, were cited Monday by Merced officers after an undercover “minor decoy” sting operation, conducted by police with the help of the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control.

Police announced the citations Tuesday.

Under police supervision, 17 adults were approached outside Merced businesses on Monday night and were asked to purchase alcohol, officers said.

The supervised minors also attempted to purchase alcohol from numerous local restaurants – Strings Italian Cafe, Turmeric Indian Cuisine and WingStop on Yosemite Avenue, Me-n-Ed’s Pizza, Houa Khong 2, La Hacienda and Golden Bowl on G Street, and Villa’s Mexican Food on Loughborough Drive.

All of the businesses refused to sell alcohol to the minors, according to police.

“It is encouraging when the employees of these restaurants check identifications and refuse to sell alcohol to minors,” Sgt. Don King said in a statement. “This will help keep Merced’s youth safe.”

The operations were funded by ABC.

This story was originally published February 2, 2016 at 4:03 PM with the headline "Two people cited in Merced alcohol sting."