Monday, Aug. 18, 2008

Alleged car burglars caught

Victim restrains one of the suspects

Two would-be car burglars were surprised Friday night by the owner of the vehicle they were allegedly attempting to steal from.

Los Baños Police Department Cmdr. Dan Fitchie said a resident on the 400 block of San Juan Avenue called police at 11:30 p.m. after he heard noises coming from outside his home.

Fitchie said the caller went outside and saw a man allegedly breaking into his car. “He was in the process of removing the stereo,” Fitchie said.

The owner of the car was able to physically apprehend the suspect, later identified as 18-year-old Los Baños-resident Johnny Ramirez. His alleged accomplice ran away.

Fitchie said during the course of the investigation it was discovered that Ramirez’ accomplice was reportedly acting as a look out.

Police searched for the second suspect in the area and once found, he was taken into custody.

Arrested was Jaycob Fuchser, 26, also from Los Baños, on suspicion of criminal conspiracy and auto burglary. His bail has been set at $15,000 and he is currently being held at the John Latorraca Correctional Facility, a Merced County Jail spokeswoman said.

Ramirez was also arrested for criminal conspiracy, auto burglary, vandalism and possession of burglary tools.

His bail has also been set at $15,000 and he is also being held at the John Latorraca Correctional Facility.

Enterprise reporter Minerva Perez can be reached by phone at (209)388-6565 or by e-mail at mperez@losbanosenterprise.com