Wednesday, Feb. 29, 2012

Police: Breakup leads to threat at gunpoint

Incident occurred Sunday morning.

A teenager was arrested early Sunday morning after allegedly threatening his girlfriend at gunpoint.

Police responded to a residence on the 800 block of La Mesa Lane at 2 a.m. after receiving a report of gunshots.

During their investigation police learned a 15-year-old male had been in an argument with his girlfriend over a recent breakup. The teen reportedly fired shots in his front yard after the argument. Police said he then returned inside the residence and pointed the firearm at his former girlfriend.

Officers found the teen in his front yard when they arrived on the scene, but the gun was missing. Witnesses directed police to a residence on the 800 block of Del Rio Drive where the firearm was recovered.

“The department is grateful to the witnesses who directed our officers to the gun the suspect used. It is off the streets now and won’t be used to harm anyone else,” Cmdr. Ray Reyna Jr. said.

The 15-year-old was placed under arrest and transported to Merced County Juvenile Hall on suspicion of making criminal threats, brandishing a firearm, assault with a deadly weapon and discharging a firearm in a public place. No injuries were reported in the incident.

To leave an anonymous crime tip call 209-827-7070 Ext. 288. If you have access to a computer and the internet you can also leave an anonymous tip at the Police Department’s web page at www.losbanos.org. At the bottom of the “Contact” page simply click on the “report graffiti and other crime” link or visit the Merced Area Crime Stoppers by telephone at 1-855-725-2420, or at www.mercedareacrimestoppers.org