Monday, Dec. 03, 2012

Two men arrested for alleged attempted robbery Monday in Los Banos

LOS BANOS — Police arrested two men Monday for allegedly committing an attempted robbery at a residence in the the 1400 block of San Antonio Drive.

Police responded to the scene around 11:12 a.m. after several calls to 911.

Officers spoke to a 25-year-old male victim, who claimed suspects Demeryce James Walker II, 18, and Eric Christian Gutierrez, 20, both of Los Banos, allegedly entered his home and began assaulting him.

The victim claimed the men were there to rob him, but said he was able to run outside and shout for help.

Police said the men fled the area and tried to hide in neighboring back yards. Police found and arrested Walker and Gutierrez. The victim wasn’t injured, police said. "Based on the victim's statements we don’t believe this was a random act," said Cmdr. Ray Reyna Jr.

Walker and Gutierrez are in custody at the Los Banos Police Department in lieu of $120,000 bail. They are held on suspicion of attempted robbery, residential burglary, conspiracy to commit a crime and participation in a criminal street gang.

To leave an anonymous crime tip call (209) 827-7070, ext. 288, or go to the police department Web page at www.losbanos.org. At the bottom of the “Contact” page, 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.

— Thaddeus Miller