According to the Merced Sheriffs Department, On January 14, 2020, at approximately 4:30 a.m., Deputy Robert Hawkins was dispatched to the area of ACS Mini Mart located at 3851 North State Route Highway 59.

Deputy Hawkins responded in regards to subjects trying to break into a vending machine.

When Deputy Hawkins arrived to the area, He noticed two male subjects on bicycles riding away from the mini-mart.

Additionally, Deputy Hawkins noticed a Coca-Cola vending machine in front of the store that had been broken into and destroyed.

Deputy Hawkins stopped the two subjects identified as 25-year-old James Collins and 23-year-old Chance Pouncey.

Collins and Pouncey admitted they “were thirsty” and broke into the machine using a large cro-bar.

Deputy Hawkins arrested Collins and Pouncey for the California Penal Code violations of felony vandalism and possession of burglary tools.

Collins and Pouncey were booked into the Merced County Jail, both on a $5,200 bond according to jail records.