On May 2nd,2020, at 7:17, Officers with the Gang Violence Suppression Unit attempted to stop a silver BMW at Grogan and Wardrobe Ave for a traffic violation.

The vehicle sped off and officers pursued the vehicle. The occupants threw a bag of narcotics from the vehicle during the pursuit. The vehicle came to a stop on Highway 140 and Massasso St.

Officers arrested the driver 25-year-old Robert Chavez as well as the four passengers 28-year-old Stephen Johnson, 19-year-old Amiel Hicks, 28-year-old Cornelius Gilchrist and 26-year-old Carlos Martinez.

All five suspects are validated gang members. Officers located the bag of narcotics, which contained 182 ecstasy pills. Chavez was also in possession of a large sum of money.

All the suspects were cited for possession of narcotics for sales, transportation of narcotics and gang enhancements. Chavez was also cited for felony evading and driving a vehicle with no license.

Merced Police are asking anyone with any information regarding this crime to contact Officer Opinski at (209) 769-6941.