On December 11, 2019, the Merced Police Department’s Gang Violence Suppression Unit (GVSU) tried stopping a vehicle for speeding.

The vehicle was been driven by Gilberto Ramirez on Donna Drive. Ramirez failed to yield his vehicle and a vehicle pursuit ensued. Officers pursued the suspect’s car until it crashed into four cars on G St and Olive Ave.

Officers removed Ramirez and Lessly Diaz from the car and arrested them. Officers responded to Ramirez’ residence on Vaca Way where they served a search warrant. During the search, officers located 3 shotguns, 2 handguns, ammunition, a bulletproof vest and stolen property.

Officers then searched a storage unit associated to Ramirez and located 8 rifles. Diaz was arrested for receiving stolen property. Ramirez was arrested and booked at the Merced County jail for felony evading, reckless driving, receiving stolen property, felon in possession of firearms and ammunition.

Merced Police are asking anyone with any information regarding this crime to contact Gang Violence Suppression Unit (GVSU) Sgt. Rodriguez at (209) 385-4710 or GV**@ci**********.org or the Merced Police Department Tipster Line at (209) 385-4725.

The public can send information via anonymous text messages to police department by dialing “TIP411” (847411) and including the word “Comvip” as the “keyword” in the text message.