Monday, Jun. 30, 2008
Teen robbed at gunpoint
Police continue search for suspects
Minerva Perez
mperez@losbanosenterprise.com
According to Los Baños Police Department Cmdr. Dan Fitchie at 3 a.m., the 19-year-old subject called a female friend of his and asked if she wanted to smoke some marijuana with him.
He was then driven to his friend’s house on the 400 block of Santa Ana Street by another female acquaintance.
Upon arrival five to six black male adults wearing hooded sweatshirts that covered their faces approached the car and demanded money.
Fitchie said the victim reported that one of the men had a semi-automatic handgun. The men allegedly physically assaulted the victim and searched the car “as if they were looking for something specific,” Fitchie said.
The victim suffered lacerations on his face but refused medical treatment. His female companion was not hurt.
Fitchie said police are investigating and he encourages anyone with information to call the police department at 827-7070.
Arrest
Marco Lopez is at the John Latorraca Correctional Facility on suspicion of possession and use of a controlled substance, resisting arrest and escaping from jail, a felony, a Merced County Jail spokesman said.
According to Los Baños Police Cmdr. Dan Fitchie, at 5:15 p.m. the department’s dispatch received calls reporting that Lopez was jumping in front of and on top of moving cars at the intersection of Mercey Springs Road and Overland Avenue.
Officers arrived at the intersection and found Lopez allegedly holding a crowbar. He displayed signs of being under the influence of methamphetamine, Fitchie said.
Lopez was arrested and put inside a patrol vehicle. Fitchie said he was able to kick out the rear window of the car and attempted to escape.
He was unsuccessful and had to be restrained for being violent, police said.
Lopez was taken to Memorial Hospital Los Baños for treatment and was medically cleared. As he was being escorted out of the hospital, he once again tried to flee but was caught and taken to Los Baños Jail.
”During booking a glass pipe, the kind used for smoking meth, was in his possession,” Fitchie said.
Lopez is being held without bail.
Enterprise reporter Minerva Perez can be reached by phone at (209)388-6565 or by e-mail at mperez@losbanosenterprise.com
