On April 5, 2020, Merced Police Department Officers responded to a report of Criminal Threats in Merced.

Merced Police Officers identified the suspect as 40-year-old Gregory Young. Officers attempted to contact Young at the Merced Inn and Suites, where he was staying.

Upon contacting Young, a large pit bull ran out of his motel room and attacked a Merced Police Department K-9. Officers attempted to use less lethal means to subdue the pit bull, however it was unsuccessful and the dog had to be put down.

After a short standoff with police, Young was taken into custody. Young is currently on probation out of Merced for assault with a deadly weapon. Young was booked at the Merced County Jail for criminal threats.

The Merced Police K-9 sustained minor injury. The K-9 was treated at the veterinarian’s office and released.

Merced Police are asking anyone with any information regarding this crime to contact the Merced Police Department at (209) 385-6912 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.