A Turlock man was arrested for fraudulently purchasing two vehicles in the City of Merced according to StanCATT.

StanCATT was advised on Tuesday of two vehicles that were fraudulently purchased in the Merced.

The suspect was identified as 50-year-old William Coelho of Turlock. StanCATT has worked numerous cases on Coelho and knew he had an outstanding warrant for his arrest.

On Wednesday, StanCATT and Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office AG Crimes detectives were in the 2700 block of Lander Avenue in Turlock when they observed Coelho driving a 2016 Ford F-150. This vehicle had been reported stolen via Fraud.

Detectives conducted surveillance on Coelho as he stopped his vehicle near Alfreda and Rose Streets in Turlock. Coelho was safely taken into custody.

StanCATT investigators returned to the 2700 block of Lander Avenue where they located a 2021 Kia Telluride that were reported stolen via fraud. Both vehicles were returned to the owner.

Coelho was booked into the Stanislaus County Public Safety Center on charges of Auto Theft, possession of a stolen vehicle, and committing grand theft during a state of emergency(looting). Coelho was also booked on his outstanding warrant.

StanCATT located property in the Ford F-150 they believe may be stolen. If you recognize the property or recognize these vehicles, please call 209-581-9250.