On July 4, 2018 at approximately 8:10 p.m., Los Banos police officers were dispatched to the 600 block of Winepress Street for a disturbance at a residence. Mariano Sanchez, 39 of Los Banos became upset with his estranged girlfriend and began hitting her vehicle with a board. Sanchez got into a white 1997 Ford Thunderbird and deliberately drove his vehicle into the back of his ex-girlfrind’s vehicle, forcing the parked vehicle through the closed garage door.

Two officers were on an unrelated call in the area and witnessed the incident. Sanchez fled past officers at a high rate of speed. Officers had their lights and sirens going as they attempted to catch up to Sanchez who fled south on Stonewood Drive. Sanchez slammed into a parked vehicle near the intersection of Stonewood Drive and Driftwood Avenue. Sanchez’ vehicle continued forward striking two additional parked vehicles and a fence before the vehicle was disabled and Sanchez was pinned inside.

Sanchez was transported by ambulance and treated for minor injuries as a result of the collision. Sanchez was released to officers for booking in the Merced County Jail hours later. Sanchez was booked on the charge of felony vandalism. He remains in custody in lieu of $5,000 bail and he could be facing additional charges.

We are asking anyone who may have witnessed the altercation in the 600 block of Winepress Street to contact officer Darren Cole at (209) 827-7070.