Merced,CA- Officers with the Merced Police Department worked a Shoulder Tap Operation on July 16th. The purpose of the sting operation was to cite adults for furnishing alcohol to minors. This operation was in conjunction with a statewide enforcement effort in cities all over California done on this same date. Under the direct supervision of the officers, minor decoys stood outside nine local businesses that are licensed to sell alcohol and asked adults entering the stores to purchase alcohol for them.

The minor decoys approached twenty-three people at three different businesses. Three adults purchased alcohol for the minors. The adults were cited for furnishing alcohol to a minor.

• Ryan Arnsberg, 29 yrs old
• Jose Pimentel, unknown age
• Jose Reyes, 53 yrs old

Businesses that were targeted by the minor decoys included: Circle G, G St; Village Liquors, G St; and Handi Stop, Yosemite Parkway.

Funding for this program was provided by the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC). Merced Police Department officers partnered with ABC in conducting the sting operation.