Newman Police

Drug arrests

Newman police said three people were arrested recently on felony drug possession charges, including a local woman who was booked twice in two days.

Authorities identified those arrested as:

•  Lyn C. Russell, 40, of Newman, who was arrested Jan. 4 and again Jan. 5 on suspicion of possessing a controlled substance. Russell was initially arrested by an officer responding to a report of a disturbance in the 2000 block of Shenandoah Park Court, police said. According to police reports, the officer arrived to find Russell inside a parked vehicle and subsequently found a substance which tested positive as methamphetamine in the vehicle. The next day, police said, an officer made contact with Russell on M Street near Fresno and found her in possession of a glass pipe containing a substance which tested positive as methamphetamine. She was booked in each incident, police said.

•  Darrell W. Costa, 63, of Newman, who was arrested Jan. 4 after an officer made contact with him on Inyo near L Street. Police said Costa was found to be in possession of a substance which tested positive as methamphetamine. He was booked on suspicion of possessing a controlled substance.

•  Daniel Cloyd, 41, of Newman, who was booked Jan. 6 on charges of possessing a controlled substance and petty theft. Police reports state that officers made contact with Cloyd in the 900 block of Merced Street regarding the theft of a bicycle from in front of Newman Food Store early that day, and took him into custody for petty theft. During the course of that arrest, police reports state, Cloyd was found to be in possession of a substance which tested positive as methamphetamine. The petty theft charge is a felony due to prior offense, police said.

Felony charge

Police said Nathan K. Smith, 21, of Newman, was arrested Jan. 6 on suspicion of petty theft stemming from the theft of a bottle of liquor from JJ Liquors on Dec. 29. Police said the charge is a felony due to prior offense.

DUI arrest

Police said Marco Aguirre-Romero, 25, of Newman, was arrested Jan. 1 on suspicion of drunken driving.

Authorities said Aguirre-Romero was taken into custody following an early-morning traffic stop at Eucalyptus and Lady Slipper. He was cited and released to the custody of a responsible adult.

Motor vehicle thefts

Two motor vehicle thefts were reported to Newman police last weekend.

Police said a 2006 Chevy Silverado was reported stolen Jan. 5 from the 1500 block of Corgiat Drive. The vehicle had not been recovered as of Tuesday morning.

A 1997 Chevy S-10 reported stolen Jan. 6 from the 1200 block of Stanislaus Street was found burned later that day by Modesto area CHP, police said.

Vandalism

Police said a vandalism incident reported Dec. 30 resulted in $350 in damage to a vehicle parked in the 1200 block of Amy Drive. Authorities said a tire was slashed and the vehicle’s rear window was smashed in the incident.

Activity report

Newman police received 271 calls for service, handled 27 cases, made 17 arrests and issued 27 traffic citations from Dec. 28 to Jan. 6, according to the department’s activity report.

Gustine Police

DUI arrests

Gustine police said three motorists were recently arrested on suspicion of DUI.

Authorities identified those arrested as:

•  Jose M. Elizalde, 18, of Gustine, who was arrested Dec. 28 on suspicion of drunken driving following a traffic stop at Kniebes and Highway 140. He was booked into Merced County Jail.

•  A 17-year-old Newman juvenile who was arrested Jan. 6 in the 1600 block of Fentem Road on suspicion of driving under the influence of a controlled substance. He was cited and released to the custody of a responsible adult.

•  Ignacio V. Herrera, 24, of Gustine, who was arrested Jan. 6 on suspicion of drunken driving following a traffic stop on East Wallis. He was booked into Merced County Jail.

Trailer, tools taken

A trailer containing work tools valued at several thousand dollars was reported stolen Jan. 7 from an alleyway behind the 500 block of Fourth Street, Gustine police said.

The trailer was valued at $5,000, according to police reports.

Its contents – which included an engine, cutting torch, compressor, arc welder and other tools – were reportedly valued at $10,500, according to police reports.

Residential burglary

Tools, a television and clothing items were reported taken in a residential burglary in the 900 block of Brentwood. The items were valued at nearly $1,800.

The burglary was reported Dec. 28.

Vehicle vandalized

The windshield of a 1990 Chevrolet S-10 pickup was smashed in a vandalism incident reported Jan. 4.

The incident occurred in the 100 block of Via Piedmont. Damage was estimated at $150.

Activity report

Gustine police received 113 calls for service, reported 169 officer-initiated incidents, took 27 reports, made 12 arrests, conducted 52 traffic stops and issued 15 traffic citations from Dec. 27 through Jan. 8, according to the department’s activity report.

Newman Police

Robbery attempt

Newman police said two people walking in the area of Main and Yolo Friday afternoon were confronted by several males demanding they empty their pockets.

When the victims refused, the males attacked one of the victims, punching and kicking him numerous times, police said.

The attack escalated when two of the attackers began hitting the victim with a wooden stick and rocks before fleeing the area in a maroon-colored Ford SUV-type vehicle.

Police said nothing was taken from the victims, a 17-year-old female and 24-year-old male. The male complained of pain to his arm, according to Lt. Brett Short.

Short said the incident, which occurred about 3:25 p.m., appears to be gang-related.

Anybody with information in the case is asked to call officer Ronil Singh at 862-2902 or call CrimeStoppers at 521-4636. Tips can also be emailed to www.modestopolice.com/crimestoppers, or be sent by text to CRIMES (274637) by typing “tip704” plus the message. Those coming forward can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward.

Multiple charges

Newman police said Pedro E. Ramos, 37, of Newman, was arrested Jan. 12 on multiple charges following an incident in the area of Yolo and Q streets.

According to police reports, an officer spotted Ramos riding a bicycle in that area and attempted to stop the cyclist, only to have him accelerate away. Police said that while Ramos was riding, he threw an object which later was discovered to be a loaded handgun into nearby bushes, and also discarded several plastic baggies.

The officer eventually took Ramos into custody after a struggle, police reports indicate.

The handgun was recovered, and one plastic baggie was found to contain a substance which tested positive as methamphetamine.

Police said Ramos was booked on felony charges of possessing a controlled substance and being a felon in possession of a firearm, as well as resisting an officer.

Drug possession

Newman police said two people were arrested recently on drug possession charges.

Authorities identified those arrested as:

•  Michael Cardoza, 23, of Newman, who was arrested Jan. 8. Police said an officer made contact with Cardoza in the area of Kern and S, and subsequently found him to be in possession of a substance which tested positive as methamphetamine.

•  Angel Dominguez, 25, of Newman, who was arrested Jan. 11. Authorities investigating an earlier incident went to Dominguez’ home in the 1900 block of S Street, police said, where they found in his room a substance which tested positive as methamphetamine. In addition to the drug possession charge, Dominguez was also booked on felony probation violation.

Burglary charges

Two people were arrested last weekend on burglary charges, police said.

A 17-year-old male from Patterson was arrested on second-degree burglary charges after allegedly walking out of JJ Liquor with several bottles of liquor, according to police reports.

Police said James D. Pezel, 39, of Newman, was arrested Jan. 13 on suspicion of burglary. Those charges stem from an incident the previous day in which an individual identified as Pezel was found inside a home in the 1500 block of Sandy Creek by a person who was checking the property at the owner’s request, police said.

Residential burglary

Police said breakers and wiring from an electrical panel were stolen from a home in the 500 block of Hills Ferry Road in an incident reported Jan. 11. No value was listed.

Vehicle taken

Police said a 1995 Honda Accord was reported stolen Jan. 9 from the 2000 block of Osborn Park Court.

The vehicle had not been recovered as of Tuesday morning.

Activity report

Newman police responded to 182 calls for service, handled 20 cases, made 11 arrests and issued 26 traffic citations in the week ending Jan. 13, according to the department’s activity report.

Gustine Police

Arson cases

Gustine police are investigating two arson cases in the downtown area.

According to police reports, two alley dumpsters behind buildings in the 300 block of Fifth Street were set ablaze in the early morning hours of Jan. 13.

A police officer responding to the scene arrived to find the dumpsters fully engulfed, according to police reports. The officer and a citizen were able to use fire extinguishers to knock the flames down until the fire department arrived to extinguish the blaze, authorities said.

One dumpster was behind an apartment building, and the other was behind a market.

A vehicle arson was reported to police Jan. 14.

The owner discovered that a car left parked in a covered area in an alley behind the 200 block of Fifth Street had been set on fire. The back seat area of the vehicle had significant burn damage, reports indicate, and windows were blackened from the smoke.

The owner had last checked the vehicle about three days earlier.

Damage was estimated at $1,000.

Multiple charges

Gustine police said a Newman man was arrested Jan. 8 on multiple charges.

According to police reports, an officer noticed a suspicious vehicle parked in the 700 block of Railroad Avenue shortly before 9 p.m. and investigated. As the officer was checking the vehicle plate, reports state, a man identified as Adam Torres, 24, exited the car.

Dispatch subsequently advised that the 1992 Honda Accord had been reported stolen out of Sacramento.

During the course of taking Torres into custody, police said, the officer found Torres to be in possession of a substance believed to be methamphetamine.

Police said Torres was booked into Merced County Jail on felony charges of vehicle theft, possession of a controlled substance, possession of stolen property and transporting a controlled substance, as well as a misdemeanor charge of driving under the influence of a controlled substance.

Activity report

Gustine police received 45 calls for service, reported 76 officer-initiated incidents, took 13 reports, made five arrests, conducted 13 traffic stops and issued two traffic citations in the week ending Jan. 15, according to the department’s activity report.

Newman Police

Drug arrest

Newman police said Jose A. Canales, 29, of Newman, was arrested Jan. 14 on felony drug possession charges.

According to police reports, an officer conducting a probation check at Canales’ residence in the 500 block of Goldenrod Lane found in his bedroom a substance which tested positive as methamphetamine.

Canales was booked on the drug charge.

DUI arrest

Police said Jaime J. Cruz, 48, of Crows Landing, was arrested Jan. 14 on suspicion of driving under the influence of a controlled substance.

Police said Cruz was taken into custody following a traffic stop at Sanches Road near Canal School Road. He was booked on the charge.

RVs burglarized

A number of RVs and other vehicles in a locked yard in the 2100 block of L Street were burglarized or damaged in an incident reported Jan. 15, police said.

Among the items taken were a flat screen television from an RV and a carburetor from a jet boat. Each was valued at $500. Damage to a DVD player was estimated at $700, police said.

Residential burglary

Newman police said clothing, a guitar and piano keyboard were reported taken from a home in the 600 block of Ladyslipper in a burglary reported Jan. 18.

A complete list of stolen items is being compiled, police said, but the loss is estimated in excess of $2,300.

Vehicle burglaries

Two vehicle burglaries in close proximity to one another were reported to Newman police Jan. 14.

A variety of tools were among the items taken from a vehicle in the 700 block of R Street. The items were valued at $1,300.

A purse valued at $5 was reported stolen the same day from a vehicle parked in the 700 block of Hardin Road.

In each case, police said, a front window was smashed to gain entry to the vehicles. Damage to each vehicle was estimated at $300.

A pair of boots valued at $35 were reported stolen Jan. 18 from a vehicle in the 500 block of Fig Lane. Police said that incident occurred Jan. 14.

Vehicle thefts

Two motor vehicle thefts were reported to Newman police in the past week.

A 1999 Honda Civic reported stolen Jan. 16 from the 2100 block of Prince Street had not been recovered as of Tuesday, police said.

A 1991 Honda Accord reported stolen Jan. 20 from the 1600 block of Fresno Street was subsequently recovered intact by the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department.

Counterfeit bill

Police confiscated a counterfeit $100 bill which a customer attempted to pass at Newman Chevron Sunday afternoon, authorities said.

The customer told investigators he received the bill at a Riverbank store. Police said no charges will be sought.

Activity report

Newman police received 160 calls for service, handled 27 cases, made 13 arrests and issued 17 traffic citations in the week ending Jan. 20, according to the department’s activity report.

Gustine Police

Arrest in robbery case

Gustine police said an arrest has been made in the Dec. 29 armed robbery of the Highway 33 Drive-Up Market.

Authorities said Los Banos police took 25-year-old Daniel R. Hebert III into custody Jan. 19 on an outstanding GPD warrant for felony armed robbery and burglary.

Police said Hebert is a Gustine-area transient.

Confrontation leads to vandalism

Gustine police said a resident sitting in front of his Jensen Road home was approached late Sunday evening by a black-clad man who questioned whether he had gang affiliations and, when ordered off the property, produced a knife and punctured a tire on a vehicle parked on the driveway.

Police said the incident was reported shortly before 11:30 p.m.

The victim told police that, before the knife was produced, he heard a click similar to the sound of a hammer being pulled back on a handgun and thought that something may have been pointed at him but specifically saw no weapon.

The knife produced was described as a folding knife with a four-inch blade.

Police said the man may have left the area in a red, small SUV-type vehicle.

Police were called back to the home the following morning when the occupants discovered that another tire had been slashed during the night, authorities said.

Bar altercation under investigation; DUI charge

Gustine police said a weekend altercation involving multiple parties at the Gustine Club remains under investigation.

Police declined to provide detailed information on the case because it remains an ongoing investigation.

Gustine police said, however, that a subsequent traffic stop conducted in conjunction with the investigation led to the arrest of a local woman on suspicion of drunken driving.

Authorities said that, due to lack of local resources, the DUI investigation was turned over to Los Banos California Highway Patrol.

A CHP spokesperson confirmed that Dana Galindo, 41, of Gustine, was taken into custody on suspicion of DUI.

Gustine police said the incident occurred Friday evening, Jan. 18.

DUI arrests

Gustine police said three motorists were arrested recently on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Police identified those arrested as:

•  Miguel A. Gembe, 35, of Gustine, who was arrested Jan. 15 on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol and a controlled substance. Police said officers made contact with Gembe during the course of investigating a reported hit-and-run accident at South and Grove avenues, and subsequently took him into custody on the DUI charge. He was cited and released to a responsible adult.

•  Moises S. Flores, 71, of Gustine, who was arrested Jan. 17 following a traffic stop in the 500 block of Fifth Street. He was cited on suspicion of drunken driving and released to a responsible adult.

•  Antonio C. Santana, 33, of Newman, who was taken into custody following a Jan. 20 traffic stop in the 1700 block of Fentem Road. He was booked into Los Banos Jail on suspicion of drunken driving.

Fraud case

A Gustine resident told police Jan. 17 that checks stolen from him had been forged and passed. The fraudulent checks totaled nearly $3,500 and were passed from late November through mid-December, police said.

Hit-and-run

A hit-and-run incident caused $5,500 in damages to a vehicle parked on Railroad Avenue, police said. The incident was reported Jan. 19.

Activity report

Gustine police received 57 calls for service, reported 95 officer-initiated incidents, took 16 reports, made six arrests, conducted 25 traffic stops, issued six traffic citations and handed out 10 parking tickets from Jan. 15-22, according to the department’s activity report.

Newman Police

Traffic stop leads to arrest

Newman police said a downtown traffic stop Tuesday afternoon, Jan. 22, led to the arrest of a local man on felony charges of obstructing/resisting arrest.

Police said that Robert A. Velasquez, 37, of Newman, refused to sign a citation and then became involved in a physical altercation with police.

He was subsequently taken into custody and booked, according to police reports.

Residential burglary

Police said a home in the 900 block of Clairmont Drive was burglarized in an incident reported Jan. 24.

A complete inventory of stolen goods was being compiled, police said, but a television and PlayStation 3 were among the items missing.

Thefts

Two thefts were reported to Newman police last week.

Authorities said an air conditioner unit valued at $3,000 was reported stolen Jan. 26 from the 700 block of Hagerman Peak Drive.

A bicycle valued at $50 was reported stolen Jan. 23 from the 1600 block of Sandy Creek Drive.

Vandalism cases

Newman police investigated three vandalism incidents last week.

Police said the rear window of a GMC Sierra parked in the 1200 block of Canyon Creek Drive was broken with a rock. The incident was reported Jan. 27. No value was reported.

On Jan. 22, police received a report of an object being thrown through the front window of a vacant home in the 1400 block of R Street, causing $100 in damage.

A glass section of a door at All Stuff You Need, located in the 1000 block of Highway 33, was broken in an incident discovered by authorities responding to a Jan. 21 alarm. No value was reported.

Activity report

Newman police received 189 calls for service, handled 30 cases, made 12 arrests and issued 16 traffic citations from Jan. 21-27, according to the department’s activity report.

Gustine Police

Park shelter vandalized

Gustine police said an extensive vandalism incident at the shelter in Schmidt Park resulted in damages of $700, including city employee time for repairs.

Authorities said the vandalism involved gang graffiti, and that three separate fires were started within the structure.

The vandalism was discovered Jan. 22.

Vehicles burglarized

Police said two vehicle burglaries were reported last week.

Property valued at $540, including a cell phone and a satchel, was reported taken from a vehicle parked in the 1600 block of Via Del Pettoruto. A window was smashed to gain entry to the vehicle, according to police reports. That incident was reported Jan. 23.

On Jan. 24, police were told that a stereo valued at $100 was taken from a vehicle parked in the 300 block of Spring Garden Avenue.

Assault investigated

Gustine police investigated a reported assault of a 14-year-old who advised that he was confronted by a man in Schmidt Park the evening of Jan. 25.

Police said the teen was approached by an adult asking for a cigarette, who then became involved in a physical confrontation with the victim.

Authorities said the victim was wearing red and may have been mistaken for a gang member by his assailant, who was reportedly accompanied by two others – all of whom were wearing blue clothing.

According to police reports, the youngster suffered a cut to the face, possibly from some sort of blade.

Activity report

Gustine police received 61 calls for service, reported 84 officer-initiated incidents, took 17 reports, made four arrests, conducted 35 traffic stops and issued 12 traffic citations from Jan. 22-28, according to the department’s activity report.

Newman Police

Theft arrest

Newman police said Thomas H. Rivas, 24, of Newman, was arrested Jan. 31 on suspicion of petty theft.

Police said Rivas is accused of stealing a bottle of liquor from Rite-Aid.

Authorities said that Rivas was booked on felony charges of petty theft with a prior offense.

Larceny

Police said two larceny cases were reported last week.

According to police reports, four bags of recyclables and a two-gallon can of gasoline were reported stolen from a storage shed in the 800 block of Fig Lane on Jan. 29. The items were valued at $60.

A Garmin GPS device valued at $150 was reported stolen Jan. 30 from a vehicle in the 700 block of R Street.

Vehicle thefts

Two vehicles were reported stolen last week, Newman police said.

A 1997 Honda Accord was reported stolen Jan. 31 from the 1400 block of Silva.

A 2001 Jeep Wrangler was reported stolen Jan. 29 from the 800 block of Hagerman Peak.

Gustine Police

DUI arrest

Gustine police said Cindy L. Tuhacek, 48, of Gustine, was arrested Jan. 28 on suspicion of drunken driving.

Tuhacek was taken into custody following a traffic stop at Fourth Avenue and Seventh Street, according to police reports.

Authorities said she was cited on the DUI charge and released to a responsible adult.

Theft

A resident of the 800 block of Meredith Avenue told police Jan. 29 that three packages delivered to her doorstep had been stolen in two separate occasions.

Two missing packages were reportedly delivered on Jan. 16. The third was reportedly delivered on Jan. 29.

Police said the packages were valued at about $450.

Gustine Police

Multiple charges

Gustine police said two people were arrested Feb. 3 on multiple charges after an officer spotted a stolen vehicle leaving a driveway in the 1000 block of East Avenue.

According to police reports, Gustine police were notified of a vehicle theft in the county area late that afternoon. Several hours later the officer spotted a car matching the description and stopped to investigate, making contact with the female driver and a man standing nearby.

During the course of the investigation, he said, the officer saw a handgun in a vehicle parked in the vicinity.

Sgt. Jim Hamera said the driver, identified as Tera S. Worden, 38, of Gustine, was booked into Sandy Mush Correctional Facility on suspicion of felony vehicle theft and misdemeanor driving under the influence of a controlled substance.

Hamera said the man standing nearby, identified as Billy L. Worden II, 32, of Gustine, was booked into Merced County Jail on felony charges of vehicle theft, having a concealed weapon in a vehicle and being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm.

Drug charge

Gustine police said Michael Medeiros, 50, of Gustine, was arrested on suspicion of  felony drug possession and misdemeanor driving under the influence of a controlled substance following a Feb. 11 traffic stop at First Avenue and Fourth Street.

During the course of taking Medeiros into custody on the DUI charge, authorities said, officers found a substance believed to be methamphetamine in the vehicle.

Stolen vehicles

Police said two vehicle thefts were reported earlier this month, with arrests linked to one case.

A 1991 Acura Integra reported stolen Feb. 7 from the 1400 block of Via Alberti had not been recovered as of Tuesday afternoon, police said.

A 1993 Honda Civic reported stolen Feb. 10 from the 1500 block of Via Compania was subsequently recovered by the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department, with arrests made in the case.

The Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department identified those taken into custody in the case as Mario A. Contreras, 18, of Newman, who was arrested for auto theft and outstanding warrants; Hugo Garcia, 22, of Patterson, who faces felony weapons and reckless driving charges; and Arturo Martinez, 19, of Modesto, who faces charges of auto theft and receiving stolen property.

Vehicle burglarized

Police said 10 iPods, valued at $600, were reported stolen Feb. 7 from a vehicle in the 1600 block of Via Colabria.

Activity report

Gustine police received 92 calls for service, reported 123 officer-initiated incidents, took 24 reports, made 11 arrests, conducted 41 traffic stops and issued three traffic citations from Feb. 1-12, according to the department’s activity report.

Newman Police

Drug charges

Four individuals were arrested on suspicion of felony drug possession in the first week of February, according to Newman police.

Authorities identified those arrested as:

·  Frank F. Terrazas, 40, of San Jose, who was arrested Feb. 1 after an officer made contact with him in the 1200 block of Duck Blind Circle. He was found to be in possession of a substance which tested positive as methamphetamine, according to police reports.

·  Ruben Diaz Jr., 30, of Newman, who was arrested Feb. 5 after an officer made contact with him in the 900 block of Merced Street. Police said he was found to be in possession of a substance which tested positive as methamphetamine.

·  Vernon E. Walker, 35, of Merced, who was arrested Feb. 6 following a traffic stop in the 700 block of Eucalyptus. Police said a substance which tested positive as methamphetamine was found during a search of the vehicle.

·  Dusty W. Jewell, 22, of Newman, who was arrested Feb. 7 after being stopped by an officer while riding a bicycle on Yolo. Police said he was found to be in possession of a substance which tested positive as methamphetamine.

Each was booked on the drug possession charge.

Residential burglaries

Newman police said food, jewelry, medications, tools and miscellaneous items were taken from a home and garage in the 1400 block of P Street in a burglary reported Feb. 4.

Police said the items were valued in excess of $1,000.

In a burglary reported Feb. 11, an iPad and charger valued at $500 were taken from a home in the 1000 block of R Street.

Burglary charge

Police said a 14-year-old male juvenile from Newman faces felony charges of second-degree burglary after allegedly taking four bottles of alcohol from Rite Aid on Feb. 8.

He was cited on the charge and released to his parents.

Vehicle thefts

Two vehicle thefts were reported earlier this month, police said.

A 1990 Honda Accord was reported stolen Feb. 2 from the 1900 block of Sydney. As the officer was taking the report, police said, the vehicle was recovered with minor damage in the Modesto area.

On Feb. 10, a 1994 Acura Integra was reported stolen from the area of Canyon Creek and Great Falls Road. The vehicle had not been recovered as of Tuesday morning.

Vandalism

Police said the windshield of a 1991 Acura Legend parked in the Nob Hill Foods lot was shattered by a rock in an incident reported Feb. 2. The damage was estimated at $500.

Tailgate taken

Police said the theft of a tailgate from a 2008 Toyota Tacoma parked in the 1900 block of S Street was reported Feb. 5. The incident actually occurred in late January, police noted.

The tailgate was valued at $1,000 to $2,000, according to police reports

Recyclables stolen

Police said four bags of recyclable items and a container, collectively valued at $50, were reported stolen Feb. 8 from a home in the 1400 block of Sandy Creek.

Activity report

Newman police received 265 calls for service, handled 31 cases, made 16 arrests and issued 29 traffic citations from Feb. 1-11, according to the department’s activity report.

Newman Police

Teen faces charges

Newman police said a 17-year-old juvenile male was arrested Feb. 13 on felony charges after a family member reported that he had made a statement regarding a bomb which he was making and planned to ignite at his school, West Side Valley High.

The campus was evacuated, and a search of the grounds turned up no suspicious objects, police said.

According to police reports, the teen acknowledged filling a balloon with what he described as air conditioning liquid, but denied any threat and said that he had discarded the balloon on the way to school.

Police said the teen was booked into Juvenile Hall on charges of making criminal threats with the intent to terrorize.

Drug arrests

Newman police said four people were arrested last week on felony drug possession charges.

Authorities identified those arrested as:

•  Vernon E. Walker, 35, of Merced, who was arrested Feb. 13 after an officer made contact with him in the area of Merced and P streets. According to police reports, Walker was found to be in possession of a substance which tested positive as methamphetamine.

•  Edward R. Anguiano, 45, a Newman transient who was arrested Feb. 15. Police said Anguiano was riding a bicycle in the area of Mariposa and S streets when an officer attempted to stop him. According to police reports, Anguiano attempted to flee, first on the bike and then running with the bike, and was discarding items as he fled. Police eventually took Anguiano into custody and found a substance which  tested positive as methamphetamine in a baggie and aluminum foil which he had allegedly discarded. He was booked on misdemeanor charges of resisting arrest as well as the felony drug possession charge.

•  Victor H. Sandoval, 25, a Newman resident who was arrested Feb. 16 after an officer made contact with him in the alley behind the 1400 block of Q Street. Police said he was found to be in possession of a substance which tested positive as methamphetamine.

•  Tasha M. Larios, 33, of Newman, who was arrested Feb. 17. Police said an officer making contact with Larios in the area of Inyo and Highway 33 found her to be in possession of two pills which were determined to be hydrocodone. She was booked on charges of possessing a narcotic controlled substance.

Motor vehicle theft

Police said a 2007 Volkswagen Jetta was reported stolen Feb. 13 from the 1300 block of Tulare. According to authorities, the incident actually occurred in September but was not reported until recently because the owner believed the vehicle had been repossessed.

Only when contacted by the finance company did the owner learn differently, police stated.

House stripped of wire

Police said a vacant home in the 1100 block of M Street was stripped of copper wiring in an incident reported Feb. 15. Police estimated the loss at $10,000.

Vehicle vandalized

Police said vandalism of a Cadillac Escalade reported Feb. 13 resulted in $880 worth of damage.

Authorities said the owner was unsure where the vandalism had occurred.

The left rear side of the vehicle was dented in three places, police said, and a wheel cover was removed.

Petty thefts

Police said a garbage can valued at $75 was reported stolen Feb. 12 from a home in the 1500 block of Sandy Creek.

A hose reel valued at $50 was reported stolen Feb. 15 from a home in the 1300 block of Blue Teal Way.

Activity report

Newman police received 245 calls for service, handled 28 total cases, made 19 arrests and issued 54 traffic citations from Feb. 12-18, according to the department’s activity report.

Gustine Police

Arson charge

A 15-year-old Gustine juvenile faces felony arson charges after allegedly setting curtains of a home on fire through an open window, police said.

Authorities said the incident occurred in the morning of Feb. 12 in the 300 block of Seventh Street.

Damage was limited to the curtains, Sgt. Jim Hamera reported.

The subsequent investigation led to the arrest of the teen on Feb. 14 and he was booked into Juvenile Hall, police said.

Vehicle vandalized

Police said the rear window of a vehicle parked in the 1400 block of Edith was damaged, possibly with a BB gun, in an incident reported Feb. 14.

Damage was estimated at $238.

Theft

Authorities said a table saw, pressure washer, laptop computer, voice recorder and stereo equipment were reported stolen Feb. 17 from a shed in the 200 block of Second Street. The items were valued at $840.

Activity report

Gustine police received 47 calls for service, reported 81 officer-initiated incidents, took 10 reports, made three arrests, conducted 24 traffic stops and issued seven traffic citations from Feb. 12-19, according to the department’s activity report.

Newman Police

Weapon charge

Newman police said Sonia Gonzalez, 34, of Newman, was arrested Feb. 23 on a felony weapon charge.

According to police reports, an officer made contact with Gonzalez in an alleyway behind the 1300 block of Q Street and subsequently found her to be in possession of an eight-inch dagger.

Narcotic possession

Police said Lora L. Landeros, 35, of Newman, was arrested Feb. 19 on suspicion of illegally possessing a prescription narcotic.

Authorities said an officer made contact with Landeros in the area of Merced and Main streets, and subsequently found her to be in possession of five tablets of a narcotic believed to be Vicodin. She was booked on the felony charge.

Drug charge

Newman police said Wesley O. Pettit, 59, of Newman, was arrested Feb. 21 on suspicion of drug possession after a substance which tested positive as methamphetamine was found during a probation search of his residence in the 1400 block of Eucalyptus.

Authorities said he was booked on the felony charge.

DUI arrest

Authorities said John W. Dollar, 44, of Newman, was arrested Feb. 24 on suspicion of drunken driving.

According to police reports, an officer made contact with Dollar in the downtown area and subsequently took him into custody.

Police said Dollar was cited for DUI and released to a responsible adult.

Burglaries

Officers responded to three burglary incidents on Feb. 24, police said.

A BMX bicycle valued at $400 was reported stolen from the garage of a home in the 1000 block of Q Street.

A safe containing $4 and a container with about $100 in change were reported taken from a home in the 1300 block of P Street.

Police said $2,000 worth of sunglasses were reported taken in a burglary at All Stuff You Need in the 1000 block of Highway 33. A complete inventory of items taken is pending. Entry was gained by breaking a window, police said, causing an estimated $300 in damage.

Larcenies

Police said two bicycles were reported stolen Feb. 22 from east side neighborhoods.

A BMX bicycle valued at $400 was reported stolen from the 900 block of Balsam.

A “beach cruiser” bicycle valued at $200 was reported stolen from the 200 block of Tower Way.

Vandalisms

Police said the driver’s side window of a 1987 Acura Integra parked in the 1300 block of Barrington was shattered in an incident reported Feb. 20. Damage was estimated at $500.

Police were advised Feb. 24 that a total of three tires on two vehicles stored at a shop in the 900 block of Tulare had been slashed. Damage was estimated at $350.

An apartment window in the 1400 block of Eucalyptus was broken in a Feb. 25 vandalism incident. Damage was estimated at $400.

Activity report

Newman police received 330 calls for service, handled 49 cases, made 25 arrests and issued 115 traffic citations from Feb. 19-25, according to the department’s activity report.

Gustine Police

Felony charges

Gustine police said two individuals face felony charges stemming from a Feb. 22 vehicle theft case.

Sgt. Jim Hamera said Enrique Plascencia Jr., 20, of Gustine, and Sunshine Flores, 35, of Los Banos, were taken into custody.

Hamera said the case started with the reported theft of a 1996 Ford Explorer from the 100 block of North Avenue.

A vehicle matching the description was spotted on South Avenue a short time later, Hamera said, and officers caught up to the Explorer in the 600 block of Laurel. Hamera said Plascencia was exiting the vehicle as officers arrived on the scene, while Flores had already entered the home.

He said Plascencia was booked on felony charges of vehicle theft and possession of stolen property, as well as a misdemeanor charge of possessing burglary tools.

Hamera said Flores was booked on charges of possession of stolen property.

DUI arrest

Police said Hector M. Delacruz, 23, of Gustine, was arrested Feb. 20 on suspicion of driving under the influence of a controlled substance and felony charges of violating probation.

According to police reports, Delacruz was stopped at Highway 140 and First Avenue by an officer who knew the driver was wanted on an outstanding felony warrant, for which Delacruz was also booked.

Vandalism

Gustine police said a 2000 Dodge Avenger parked in the 1000 block of Lucerne was vandalized in an incident reported Feb. 23.

Damage to the vehicle body and a window was estimated at $1,500.

Bike taken

A three-wheeler bike valued at $400 was reported stolen Feb. 24 from the 300 block of Wallis Avenue, police said.

Activity report

Gustine police received 45 calls for service, reported 66 officer-initiated incidents, took 14 reports, made nine arrests, conducted 23 traffic stops and issued five traffic citations from Feb. 19-26, according to the department’s activity report.

Newman Police

Diesel fuel theft case

Newman police said a Los Angeles man faces charges after allegedly being caught in the act of siphoning diesel fuel from a big rig parked in the area of Merced and Brookhaven.

According to police reports, an officer dispatched to the scene arrived to find a van parked in front of a big rig, with a hose leading from the truck to the rear of the van, which held two plastic tanks.

Authorities said Carlos Contreras, 19, of Los Angeles, was taken into custody at the scene and booked on a felony charge of burglary as well as misdemeanor petty theft.

Drug arrests

Newman police said three people were arrested in the past week on suspicion of felony drug possession.

Authorities identified those arrested as:

• Eriberto Preciado, 31, of Newman, who was arrested March 1. Police said an officer made contact with Preciado on Merced Street and subsequently found him to be in possession of a substance which tested positive as methamphetamine.

•  Serafin S. Villanueva, 21, of Newman, who was arrested March 2. Police said an officer made contact with Villanueva in the area of Fresno and S streets, and subsequently found him to be in possession of a substance which tested positive as methamphetamine.

•  Ismael Cortez, 37, of Gustine, who was arrested March 2 following a traffic stop at Fresno and Main. According to police reports, Cortez was found to be in possession of a substance which tested positive as cocaine.

Each was booked on suspicion of possessing a controlled substance.

DUI arrest

Police said Belinda A. Allen, 31, of Newman, was arrested Feb. 26 on suspicion of drunken driving.

Authorities said Allen was taken into custody following a traffic stop in the 1300 block of Main Street.

She was booked on the DUI charge.

Gas theft case

Newman police said Devin M. Jorge, 19, of Crows Landing, and a 17-year-old Newman juvenile were cited March 2 on suspicion of taking gasoline from a vehicle in the 1300 block of Merganser Court.

Each faces a misdemeanor petty theft charge, police said.

Burglary charge

Police said Melinda A. Avila, 35, of Newman, was arrested Feb. 26 on charges of second-degree burglary.

According to police reports, she is accused of attempting to take assorted items valued at $118 from Nob Hill Foods.

She was booked on the felony charge.

Vehicle vandalized

A Ford Mustang parked in the 1400 block of Silva Avenue was vandalized in an incident reported March 3.

Police said damage to the vehicle was estimated at $1,000.

Activity report

Newman police received 358 calls for service, handled 36 cases, made 23 arrests and issued 101 traffic citations from Feb. 26 to March 4, according to the department’s activity report.

Gustine Police

Petty thefts

Police said two bicycles were reported stolen last week.

One was reported taken Feb. 26 from the 700 block of Railroad; the second was reported taken Feb. 27 from the 300 block of Meredith. Each was valued at $200.

Police said a garbage toter valued at $75 was reported stolen March 1 from the 1500 block of South Avenue.

Activity report

Gustine police received 86 calls for service, reported 91 officer-initiated incidents, took 16 reports, made five arrests and conducted 28 traffic stops.

Newman Police

Multiple charges

Newman police said a Corona man faces multiple felony charges following his arrest Friday morning, March 8.

Authorities said an officer made contact with 32-year-old Jose G. Valdez after seeing him loitering in the area of Hunt Elementary School.

According to police reports, Valdez was subsequently found to be in possession of two knives and a substance which tested positive as methamphetamine.

Police said Valdez was booked on felony charges of drug possession, weapons possession and violating his probation, as well as a felony warrant out of Stanislaus County.

Two arrested

Newman police said two people were arrested March 10 in the 900 block of R Street on drug-related charges.

According to police reports, an officer in the area made contact with an individual seen riding a bicycle away from a home on that block, who was identified as Luis A. Figueroa, 29, of Riverbank. During a search, the officer found a glass pipe with a white crystal substance hidden in the handlebars of the bicycle. The substance tested positive as methamphetamine, police said.

Police then went to the residence, and found Edward R. Anguiano, 45, of Newman, in a shed. Police said he was found in possession of a pipe containing a white crystal substance believed to be methamphetamine.

Authorities said Anguiano and Figueroa were each booked on felony charges of drug possession and violating their probation.

Drug possession

Newman police said Martin A. Araujo, 27, of Newman, was arrested March 11 on charges of drug possession and parole violation.

An officer made contact with Araujo in the 1100 block of Fresno Street, police said, and subsequently determined that he had been sleeping in a backyard shed at a vacant residence in the block. A search of the shed turned up aluminum foil containing a crystal substance which tested positive as methamphetamine, according to police reports.

He was booked on the felony charges.

Narcotics charge

Police said Margaret S. Rojas, 36, of Newman, was arrested March 9 after authorities found her to be in possession of a partial tablet of a substance believed to be hydrocodone.

Officers made contact with Rojas in a vehicle parked in the 1000 block of S Street.

She was booked on charges of illegally possessing a narcotic controlled substance.

Burglary charge

Police said a 17-year-old Newman juvenile was arrested March 8 on burglary charges after he allegedly attempted to steal a bottle of liquor from Rite Aid.

Authorities said the teen was booked into Juvenile Hall.

Residential burglary

Authorities said prescription medication and a money order in the amount of $173 were reported taken in a burglary reported March 6 in the 1400 block of P Street.

Vehicle theft

Police said a 1996 Honda Civic was reported stolen March 8 from the 1400 block of S Street. The vehicle had not been recovered as of Tuesday morning.

Petty thefts

Police said a garbage toter valued at $75 was reported stolen March 5 from the 1500 block of S Street.

A bicycle worth $50 was taken from the back yard of a home in the 600 block of Rodeo Grounds Way in an incident reported March 11.

License plates thefts have been on the upswing recently, with three incidents reported last week.

Window broken

Police said a front window of a home in the 1400 block of Q Street was reportedly broken in a vandalism incident reported March 8. Damage was estimated at $250.

Activity report

Newman police received 327 calls for service, handled 47 cases, made 30 arrests and issued 76 traffic citations from March 5-11, according to the department’s weekly activity report.

Gustine Police

Gustine police said three motorists were arrested last week on suspicion of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Authorities identified those arrested as:

· Jessie Sicairos, 28, of Gustine, who was arrested March 5 on suspicion of driving under the influence of a controlled substance following a traffic stop in the 300 block of Second Street. He was cited and released to a responsible adult.

·  Santana Gutierrez, 34, of Gustine, who was arrested March 6 on suspicion of driving under the influence of a controlled substance after a traffic stop at Highway 33 and First Avenue. He was booked into Los Banos Jail.

·  Ricardo J. Ruiz, 34, of Los Banos, who was arrested March 7 on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol following a traffic stop at Railroad and South avenues. He was booked into Los Banos Jail.

Bicycles taken

Police said two bicycles valued at $320 were reported stolen March 5 from the 1200 block of Lee.

Vandalism incidents

Police said a window on a vehicle parked in the 100 block of West Avenue was damaged in an incident reported March 5. The window was valued at $200.

A window at a home in the 100 block of Fifth Street was broken in an incident reported March 10. The window was valued at $200.

Activity report

Gustine police received 44 calls for service, reported 94 officer-initiated incidents, took 18 reports, made 15 arrests, conducted 36 traffic stops and issued 10 traffic citations from March 5-12, according to the department’s activity report.

Newman Police

Robbery reported

Newman police said a small amount of cash and a cell phone were reported stolen from a pedestrian at knifepoint Thursday night.

Authorities said the victim was walking in the 1200 block of T Street when he was confronted by a group of five male subjects. One ordered the victim to show his hands, while the others approached the victim, each brandishing a pocket knife.

Police said the victim was robbed of about $7 in cash, as well as the cell phone, which was valued at $100.

Multiple charges

Newman police said George J. Crowley, 47, of Newman, was arrested March 19 on felony drug and weapon charges.

According to police reports, an officer made contact with Crowley in the 1100 block of Duck Blind Circle, where Crowley was standing outside a parked vehicle.

Authorities said police conducted a probation search of Crowley, and found him to be in possession of a .22-caliber magazine and ammunition, as well as a pipe containing a substance which tested positive as methamphetamine. During a search of the vehicle, two loaded rifles were found.

Police then conducted a search of Crowley’s residence, authorities said, where three additional rifles and ammunition were found.

Police said Crowley was booked on felony charges of drug possession, possession of a controlled substance while armed with a loaded firearm, probation violation, being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm and illegally possessing ammunition. In addition, police said, Crowley faces misdmeanor charges of resisting an officer.

Drug possession

Newman police said five people were arrested in the past week on felony charges of drug possession.

Authorities identified those arrested as:

•  Maria C. Gomez, 42, of Newman, who was arrested March 20 by an officer who made contact with her in the area of the 1400 block of Merced Street. The approaching officer observed Gomez throw what turned out to be a smoking pipe containing a substance which tested positive as methamphetamine, authorities said.

•  Damon M. Thele, 47, of Newman, who was taken into custody March 21 in the 700 block of Driskell. According to police reports, an officer spotted Thele in that area and then heard the sound of breaking glass as Thele walked between parked vehicles in an apartment complex parking lot. The officer discovered a glass pipe at that location containing a substance which tested positive as methamphetamine, police said, and followed the suspect into the apartment complex, where Thele was found hiding in a boiler room. He was booked on misdemeanor trespassing as well as the drug charge.

•  Fredy Arias Diaz, 22, of Newman, who was arrested March 21 following a bicycle stop in the area of Driskell and L Street. Police found a pipe containing a substance which tested positive as methamphetamine near where the suspect had laid his bike down, according to police reports. In addition to the drug charge, Arias Dias was booked on a misdemeanor charge of possessing a switchblade knife.

•  Alfonso C. Lopez, 47, of Newman, who was arrested March 22 after an officer made contact with him in the area of Main and Merced streets. Police said Lopez was found in possession of a pipe containing a substance which tested positive as methamphetamine.

•  Edward R. Anguiano, 45, of Newman, who was arrested March 25 in the area of the 900 block of R Street. Police said an officer approaching Anguiano witnessed him throw an object to the ground which proved to be a pipe containing a substance that tested positive as methamphetamine.

DUI arrest

Newman police said Eduardo Ramos, 29, of Newman, was arrested on suspicion of drunken driving following a March 22 traffic stop at Highway 33 and Sanches Road.

Police said Ramos was cited and released to a responsible adult.

Burglary arrest

Police said Israel Hernandez, 19, of Newman, was arrested March 24 on burglary charges following an incident in the 600 block of Foxglove.

Authorities said a resident spotted individuals inside two parked vehicles belonging to a relative, with a third standing nearby, shortly after 10:30 p.m. The resident and owner of the vehicles confronted the subjects, who then fled on foot – with the resident and vehicle owner giving chase in a vehicle.

Police said a responding officer detained Hernandez in the 500 block of Ladyslipper, and he was taken into custody after being identified as one of the individuals seen inside the victim’s vehicles.

Hernandez was booked on charges of second-degree burglary.

Vehicle burglaries

Police said an amplifier and CDs valued at $700 were reported stolen March 20 from a vehicle in the 300 block of Parliament Way.

On March 23, a Coach purse and wallet were taken from a vehicle parked in the 800 block of Hardin Road. The items were valued at $500. In that case, a window was smashed to gain entry to the vehicle.

Tires slashed

Newman police said two tires were reportedly slashed March 20 on a vehicle parked in the 1300 block of Barrington Avenue.

The tires were valued at $80.

Activity report

Newman police received 243 calls for service, handled 35 cases, made 24 arrests and issued 53 traffic citations from March 19-25, according to the department’s weekly activity report.

Gustine Police

Vehicles vandalized

Windows on two vehicles were broken in vandalism incidents reported March 26, according to Gustine police.

The windshield, rear window and passenger side windows of a vehicle parked on Via Borrelli were broken. Damage was estimated at $1,200.

The rear window of a vehicle parked in the 300 block of Laurel was broken. Damage was estimated at $1,000.

Activity report

Gustine police received 58 calls for service, reported 95 officer-initiated incidents, took 13 reports, made five arrests, conducted 39 traffic stops and issued 12 traffic citations from March 19-26, according to the department’s activity report.

Newman Police

Drug arrests

Newman police said two people were arrested last week on felony drug charges.

Authorities identified those arrested as:

·  Diane M. Varner, 43, of Newman, who was arrested April 3 following a traffic stop in the 1100 block of Main Street. According to police reports, Varner was found to be in possession of a substance which tested positive as methamphetamine. She was booked on charges of possessing a controlled substance.

·  Shannon M. Ramirez, 36, of Newman, who was arrested April 4 following a traffic stop at Kern and Main streets. Police said she was found to be in possession of a substance which tested positive as methamphetamine. Ramirez was booked on charges of possession of a controlled substance for sale, transportation of a controlled substance and violation of probation, authorities said.

Felony charge

A man accused of stealing a three-pack of beer from a local convenience store was arrested on felony charges April 5.

Police said the suspect, identified as 24-year-old Thomas H. Rivas of Newman, accused of taking the beer from Newman Foods on April 3.

Investigation led to the arrest of Rivas on charges of petty theft with prior convictions, as well as violating probation, police said.

Larceny

A garbage container valued at $75 was reported stolen from the 1300 block of L Street, police said.

Activity report

Newman police received 339 calls for service, handled 28 cases, made 15 arrests and issued 71 traffic citations from April 2-8, according to the department’s activity report.

Gustine Police

Vehicle burglary

Gustine police said items valued at $930 were taken in a vehicle burglary reported April 6 in the 700 block of Wallis.

According to authorities, a window was smashed to gain entry to the vehicle, and a purse and cell phone were taken.

Damage to the vehicle was estimated at $500.

Bicycle taken

Police said a bicycle valued at $200 was reported stolen April 6 from the 300 block of Meredith.

Vandalism

Two windows of a vacant apartment unit in the 1400 block of South Avenue were reported broken April 8, police said. The damage was estimated at $150.

Activity report

Gustine police received 65 calls for service, reported 60 officer-initiated incidents, took 12 reports, made 10 arrests, conducted 26 traffic stops and issued seven traffic citations from April 2-9, according to the department’s activity report.

Newman Police

Drug arrests

Newman police said three individuals were arrested last week on drug-related charges.

Authorities identified those arrested as:

•  Pedro M. Palafox, 26, of Patterson, who was arrested April 10 following a traffic stop at Highway 33 and Mariposa. Police said that Palafox, who was a passenger in the vehicle, was found to have outstanding warrants. During the course of taking him into custody, reports state, the officer saw a glass pipe drop from Palafox’s side and found a bindle containing a substance which tested positive as methamphetamine on the ground next to the suspect. He was booked on felony drug possession charges.

•  Brandon A. Stanley, 38, of Newman, who was arrested April 11. According to police reports, an officer discovered Stanley and another individual in a backyard shed of a vacant residence in the 900 block of Fig Lane. When the occupants became aware of the officer’s presence, police said, Stanley was seen breaking an object. The officer found a broken glass pipe containing a substance which tested positive as methamphetamine, police said, and Stanley was booked on felony drug possession charges as well as misdemeanor charges of destroying evidence, obstructing an officer and trespassing.

•  Dusty W. Jewell, 22, of Newman, who was arrested April 12. Police said an officer made contact with Jewell in the area of Merced and Highway 33, and found him to be in possession of a substance which tested positive as methamphetamine. He was booked on the felony drug possession charge.

Felony charges

Newman police said Steve M. Carmona, 30, of Newman, was arrested April 10 on felony charges following a traffic stop in the 1900 block of S Street. According to police reports Carmona, who was a passenger in the vehicle, is accused of being the owner of an 11-inch dagger found in the vehicle. He was booked on felony charges of possessing a dirk or dagger, and parole violation.

Larcenies

Four larcenies were reported in the past week, Newman police said.

A bicycle valued at $80 was reported stolen April 10 from the 1300 block of Patchett Drive.

A cell phone, sunglasses and garage remote were reported stolen April 11 from a vehicle in the 700 block of R Street. The items were valued at $440.

A bicycle valued at $300 was reported stolen April 11 from the 1100 block of Stanislaus Street.

Two security cameras were reported stolen April 15 from St. Joachim’s Catholic Church. No value was listed.

Vehicle thefts

Three vehicle thefts were reported in the past week.

A 1994 Honda Accord was reported stolen April 12 from the 1600 block of Fresno Street. The vehicle was recovered later that day by Merced County sheriff’s deputies. It had been partially stripped.

A 1995 Honda Accord was reported stolen April 12 from the 700 block of Driskell Avenue. It was recovered the following day by Modesto Area CHP. The vehicle was not damaged.

A 1999 Honda Civic was reported stolen April 14 from the 800 block of Foxglove. The vehicle had not been recovered as of Tuesday morning.

Vandalism

Police said the front window of a home in the 1400 block of Kern Street was damaged with a BB gun in an incident reported April 11.

Activity report

Newman police received 266 calls for service, handled 32 cases, made 20 arrests and issued 35 traffic citations from April 9-15, according to the department’s activity report.

Gustine Police

DUI arrests

Gustine police recently arrested two motorists on suspicion of DUI.

Authorities identified those arrested as:

•  Robert Erickson, 42, of Merced, who was arrested April 7 following a traffic stop in the 900 block of Meredith. He was booked into Merced County Jail on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol, police said.

•  Jesus O. Diaz, 42, of Gustine, who was arrested April 11 after police made contact with him in the parking lot of Richard’s Market. Authorities said Diaz was booked into Merced County Jail on suspicion of driving under the influence of a controlled substance.

Vehicle theft

Police said a 1995 Honda Accord was reported stolen April 12 from the 500 block of North Avenue. The vehicle had not been recovered as of Tuesday morning.

Vehicle burglary

Police said an iPod was reported stolen April 13 from a vehicle parked on East Wallis. A window was smashed to gain entry. The combined damage and value of the iPod were estimated at $900, according to authorities.

Activity report

Gustine police received 57 calls for service, reported 104 officer-initiated incidents, took 14 reports, made five arrests, conducted 43 traffic stops and issued 15 traffic citations from April 9-16, according to the department’s activity report.

Newman Police

Drug charges

Newman police said two people were arrested last week on suspicion of drug possession.

Authorities identified those arrested as:

· Luis E. Romo, 41, of Newman, who was arrested April 18. According to police reports, an officer made contact with Romo in the 1400 block of Silva Avenue. During the course of that contact, police said, the officer found a baggie containing a substance which tested positive as methamphetamine on the bumper of the patrol car, near where Romo had been standing. He was booked on the felony drug possession charge.

· Jorge S. Romo, 45, of Newman, who was arrested April 19 after officers made contact with him in Pioneer Park. Police said an officer located a pipe containing a substance which tested positive as methamphetamine in a trash can near where Romo had been standing. He was booked on the felony drug possession charge.

Burglary

Police said two power tools valued at $450 were reported stolen April 17 from the garage of a home in the 1300 block of T Street.

Authorities said the garage door had inadvertently been left open overnight.

Activity report

Newman police responded to 303 calls for service, handled 22 cases, made 12 arrests and issued 73 traffic citations from April 16-22, according to the department’s activity report.

Gustine Police

Felony charge

Gustine police said Alberto Lopez, 18, of Newman, was arrested on a felony charge of possessing a billy club or similar weapon on April 18.

According to police reports, an officer made contact with Lopez in the 1200 block of LaSalle and discovered a baseball bat in his car.

Police said Lopez was booked into Los Banos Jail on the felony weapons charge.

Home ransacked

Police said a home in the 200 block was ransacked in burglary reported April 16.

Authorities said the resident returned home from work to find that a window had been broken and the home had been ransacked, but no property was reported missing.

Activity report

Gustine police received 45 calls for service, reported 72 officer-initiated incidents, took five reports, made four arrests and issued nine traffic tickets from April 16-23, according to the department’s activity report.

Newman Police

DUI arrests

Newman police said three motorists were arrested recently on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol. Authorities identified those arrested as:

·  Gerardo Samano, 37, of Newman, who was arrested April 27 following a traffic stop in the 1900 block of Highway 33. Police said he was booked on the DUI charge.

·  Jorge A. Guerra, 20, of Newman, who was arrested April 28 following a traffic stop at Merced and M streets. Police said he was booked on the DUI charge.

·  James R. Croom, 57, of Newman, who was arrested April 29 following a traffic stop in the 2000 block of Highway 33. Police said he was cited for DUI and released to the custody of a responsible adult.

Burglaries

Police said three residential burglaries were reported recently.

Items valued at $10,700 were reported stolen from a home in the 1900 block of Taylor Drive in a burglary reported April 23. Police said a laptop computer, TV/DVD, smart TV, jewelry and miscellaneous tools were among the items taken.

A lawnmower and a ladder were reported stolen April 25 from a garage in the 1400 block of Patchett. The items were valued at $550.

A laptop, DVD players, jewelry, tools and PlayStation 3 were among items reported stolen April 29 from a home in the 1200 block of Barrington. Police said the items were valued in excess of $5,000.

Bike taken

Police said a bicycle valued at $300 was reported stolen April 28 from the back yard of a home in the 1100 block of Fresno Street.

Activity report

Newman police received 340 calls for service, handled 37 cases, made 23 arrests and issued 40 traffic citations from April 23-29, according to the department’s activity report.

Gustine Police

Drug charge

Gustine police said Oscar M. Marquez, 45, of Gustine, was arrested April 23 on suspicion of felony drug possession.

According to police reports, an officer making contact with Marquez in the 1500 block of South Avenue found him to be in possession of a substance believed to be methamphetamine.

Marquez was booked into Merced County Jail.

Residential burglary

Authorities said a motorcycle, jewelry and a television were reported stolen from a home in the 400 block of Wallis.

The burglary was reported April 27.

The items were valued in excess of $11,000, according to police reports.

DUI arrest

Police said Ryan M. Fahey, 26, of Gustine, was taken into custody on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol following an April 27 traffic stop in the area of South and Sycamore. He was booked into Los Banos Jail.

Utility vehicle stolen

A Mule utility vehicle belonging to Gustine Youth Baseball/Softball was reported stolen April 26 from a storage shed in Schmidt Park, police said.

The theft remains under investigation.

Vehicle vandalized

Police said a window of a vehicle parked on Linden Avenue was broken in a vandalism reported April 26. No value was listed.

Activity report

Gustine police received 64 calls for service, reported 81 officer-initiated incidents (including 31 traffic stops), took 20 reports, made nine arrests and issued 10 traffic citations from April 23-30, according to the department’s activity report.

Newman Police

Felony charge

Newman police said a local man faces felony charges after allegedly leading police on a start-and-stop pursuit May 5.

According to police reports, an officer attempted to stop a vehicle driven by Brandon M. Perreira, 21, of Newman, after seeing it turn from Canal School Road onto Rodeo Grounds at a high rate of speed. Police said the driver failed to yield and instead drove recklessly through a residential neighborhood before stopping on Merced Street near L St. As the officer exited the patrol car Perreira drove away, authorities said, and he did the same a second time after stopping at Merced and Highway 33.

Police said the driver eventually stopped at Inyo and 33, where a passenger jumped out and fled on foot.

Authorities said Perreira was arrested on felony charges of evading a peace officer with wanton disregard for safety and for violating probation.

DUI suspected in crash

Newman police said a 17-year old Crows Landing male faces drunken driving charges after crashing into a parked vehicle in the 1500 block of Merced Street shortly before 7:30 a.m. May 5.

Authorities said investigation determined that the driver, whose name was not released because he is a juvenile, was driving eastbound on Merced when he lost control while attempting to make a turn.

The teen was cited on suspicion of DUI and released to a responsible adult.

DUI arrest

Police said Jeremy D. Howe, 34, of Salinas, was arrested on suspicion of drunken driving following a May 3 traffic stop in the Rite Aid/Nob Hill parking lot. He was cited on suspicion of DUI and released to a responsible adult.

Drug charge

Newman police said Edward R. Anguiano, 45, of Newman, was arrested May 4 on drug possession charges.

According to police reports, an officer saw Anguiano run from a residence in the 900 block of R Street, discarding an item as he went. Police said Anguiano was taken into custody and the discarded item, a baggie containing a substance which tested positive as methamphetamine, was recovered.

Anguiano was booked on suspicion of drug possession and violating his parole. Both are felonies.

Trimmer taken

Police said a weed trimmer valued at $200 was reported stolen April 30 from a home in the 1600 block of Brookhaven.

Activity report

Newman police received 315 calls for service, handled 31 cases, made 20 arrests and issued 56 traffic citations from April 30 through May 6, according to the department’s activity report.

Gustine Police

Wallet taken

Gustine police said a wallet was reported stolen May 4 from a vehicle parked in the 1500 block of South Avenue.

The loss was estimated at $550.

‘Mule’ recovered

Authorities said a Mule utility tractor reported stolen April 26 from a storage shed in Schmidt Park was recovered May 4 in the 400 block of Wallis.

Police said the vehicle, which belongs to Gustine Youth Baseball, had been dismantled.

Investigation is continuing in the case, police said.

Activity report

Gustine police received 57 calls for service, reported 45 officer-initiated incidents (including 17 traffic stops), took 11 reports, made three arrests and issued four traffic citations from April 30 through May 7, according to the department’s activity report.

Newman Police

Felony charges

Newman police said two people face felony charges stemming from a May 7 assault which sent the victim to a hospital.

Officers located the victim when responding to the 1300 block of L Street, reports indicate. Police said the incident is believed to have occurred in an alley behind 1200 block of M Street.

Authorities said a 49-year-old man was struck in the head and back with a four-foot piece of wood, and punched. Police said the victim was transported to a hospital for treatment of his injuries. Authorities earlier this week could provide no information on the extent of those injuries.

Police said Mario Garcia, 31, and Lisa Moreno, 30, both of Newman, were arrested on felony charges of assault with a deadly weapon other than a firearm likely to cause great bodily injury, and conspiracy to commit a crime.

Police declined to disclose additional information about the circumstances surrounding the assault, which remains under investigation.

Assault charge

Police said Mia G. Brooks, 51, of Newman, was arrested May 9 after allegedly hitting another woman in the head with a thrown skillet during an altercation in the 1500 block of Main Street. Authorities said the 40-year-old victim did not require immediate medical attention.

Brooks was arrested on charges of assault with a deadly weapon other than a firearm likely to cause great bodily injury.

Drug arrest

Newman police said Eriberto Preciado, 31, of Newman, was arrested May 13 on suspicion of drug possession.

According to police reports, an officer made contact with occupants of a van in the 700 block of Highway 33. A search of the vehicle turned up a plastic baggie containing a substance which tested positive as methamphetamine tucked beneath the passenger window and rubber seal, reports state.

Preciado, a passenger in the vehicle, was arrested on felony drug possession charges.

Burglary

Miscellaneous items and cash were taken from a home in the 1200 block of Marapole Lane in a burglary reported May 9.

Authorities said the occupants left the home that morning and returned to find that the front door had been kicked in.

Jewelry and electronics were among the items taken.

The total loss was estimated in excess of $5,300.

Vehicle thefts

Police said two vehicles were reported stolen recently.

A 1995 Ford Ranger was reported stolen May 11 from the 1500 block of Lochbrea.

A 1999 Honda Civic was reported stolen May 13 from the 1300 block of M Street.

Neither vehicle had been recovered as of early Tuesday afternoon.

Larcenies

Police investigated two larcenies recently.

A bicycle valued at $200 was reported stolen May 7 from the 1300 block of Main Street, police said. Investigation led to the arrest of Kenny A. Hernandez, 31, of Newman, on petty theft charges, police said. The bicycle was recovered.

Police said fishing equipment and a pellet gun were reported stolen May 10 from a vehicle in the 1100 block of Duck Blind. The items were valued at $240.

Vandalism

Police said the rear window of a vehicle in the 1900 block of Patrick Drive was damaged in an incident reported May 8. No value estimate was available.

Activity report

Newman police received 283 calls for service, handled 32 cases, made 15 arrests and issued 45 traffic citations from May 7-13, according to the department’s activity report.

Gustine Police

DUI arrest

Gustine police said Pricilliana M. Aranda, 30, of Gustine, was arrested May 11 on suspicion of drunken driving.

According to police reports, Aranda was stopped at Highway 33 near First Avenue.

She was cited for DUI and released to the custody of a responsible adult.

Grand theft

Tools and fabricated stainless steel pipes were among items recently reported stolen from a work site at Morningstar Foods, police said.

The items were valued in excess of $4,000, authorities said.

The contractor on the job advised police May 10 that the thefts had taken place on May 4, according to police reports.

Bike taken

Police said a bicycle valued at $150 was reported stolen May 10 from a Railroad Avenue residence.

Vandalism

Police responding to a report of an arson in a Schmidt Park restroom arrived to find that a paper towel dispenser had been burned. The cost of replacing the dispenser was estimated at $200.

Activity report

Gustine police received 54 calls for service, reported 65 officer-initiated incidents (including 15 traffic stops), took 12 reports, made six arrests and issued three traffic citations from May 7-14, according to the department’s activity report.

Newman Police

Burglary charge

A Newman man accused of burglarizing a home in the 1300 block of Crabapple Way on May 16 allegedly fled the scene but left behind a vehicle packed with items from the home, according to authorities.

Police said the suspect, identified as 21-year-old Brandon M. Perreira, was later arrested at his Newman home.

Authorities said the home was not occupied, but that the owners had accumulated items there in preparation for a garage sale. Shortly after 6 a.m. Thursday, the victims were contacted by a family member who had gotten a call from a neighbor of the Crabapple home that a burglary was in progress.

The victims went to the residence and spotted a man, later identified as Perreira, run out a back door and jump a fence.

In the garage, police said, they found a vehicle packed with a large quantity of clothing and other items, including a tool bag and tools.

The subsequent investigation led to the arrest of Perreira.

Police said entry to the garage was apparently gained through a pet door.

Perreira was booked on charges of burglary and violating his probation. Both are felonies.

Vandalism charge

Newman police said Angel F. Garza, 35, of Newman, was arrested May 20 on felony vandalism charges stemming from the destruction of a flower pot in the downtown plaza the previous day.

Authorities said a review of surveillance footage helped investigators identify the suspect.

The damage was estimated at $1,586, according to police reports.

Garza was booked on felony charges of vandalism and violating probation.

Drug arrest

Police said Nicholas B. Laffoon, 22, of Ceres, was arrested May 20 on drug possession charges.

According to police reports, officers making contact with Laffoon at Newman Mini-Mart/Chevron found him to be in possession of a pipe containing a substance which tested positive as methamphetamine.

Laffoon was booked on the felony charge.

DUI arrest

Newman police said Sheila R. Schults, 59, of Newman, was arrested May 20 on suspicion of drunken driving following a traffic stop at Kern Street and Highway 33.

She was booked on the DUI charge.

Arsons investigated

Police said two arson cases were investigated in the past week.

A porta-potty located at Hardin and Orestimba was set afire on May 14, police said.

On May 19, police said, a small cardboard fire was set in the alley behind the 1200 block of Main Street.

Larcenies

Police said a trash can valued at $75 was reported stolen May 15 from the 1500 block of Sandy Creek.

A bag of clothing and towels was reported stolen May 18 from the front porch of a home in the 1000 block of R Street. The loss was estimated at $75.

Activity report

Newman police received 225 calls for service, handled 23 cases, made 12 arrests and issued 32 traffic citations from May 14-20, according to the department’s activity report.

Gustine Police

Arrest in accident

A Los Banos truck driver faces charges in the wake of a May 10 accident at Highway 33 and Sullivan Road which critically injured another motorist, according to Gustine police.

Police said the accident occurred when a Freightliner tractor pulling a flat bed trailer driven eastbound on Sullivan by Alfonso Lopez Gutierrez, 46, collided with a 1988 Oldsmobile northbound on Highway 33.

Police identified the driver of the Oldsmobile as Jose J. Ortizgonzalez, 57, of Merced. He was taken by helicopter to Memorial Medical Center, Modesto. A spokesperson for the medical center said Ortizgonzalez remained in critical condition as of Tuesday.

Authorities said Gutierrez continued eastbound on Sullivan and was located a short time later in the 27000 block of Gun Club Road.

Gustine police said Gutierrez was taken into custody on charges of felony hit and run.

Hit-and-run

Police said a vehicle went through two fences off an alley behind the 400 block of Second Street before coming to rest in the back yard of a residence early May 17.

The driver of the Dodge Dakota had fled the scene before officers arrived in response to the 1:53 a.m. call, police said.

Authorities said the vehicle was reported stolen later in the morning.

Bicycle taken

Police said a bicycle valued at $300 was reported stolen May 18 from an alley behind the 400 block of Fifth Street.

Activity report

Gustine police received 74 calls for service, reported 72 officer-initiated incidents (including 21 traffic stops), took 15 reports, made eight arrests and issued five traffic citations from May 14-21, according to the department’s activity report.

Newman Police

Multiple charges

A Newman man faces multiple drug and weapons charges stemming from an incident which occurred May 23, according to authorities.

Police said the incident started when a patrol officer investigated a vehicle parked in an alley behind the 1300 block of Q Street shortly after midnight. As the officer approached, police said, a man later identified as Jose L. Vazquez Leyva, 26, was seen running from the area.

The officer later made contact with Leyva in front of a residence in the 1300 block of Q Street, police said, and during a search of his person found a baggie containing a substance which tested positive as methamphetamine.

According to police reports, the officer determined that Leyva had been invited into the residence and obtained permission to search the interior. Behind an appliance, the officer located a loaded .9mm handgun which was believed to have been in Leyva’s possession, police reports stated.

Authorities said that during a search of the vehicle parked in the alley police located a second bag containing a substance which tested positive as methamphetamine, two scales and a loaded ammunition clip which fit the handgun.

The handgun was determined to have been reported stolen out of Los Banos.

Police said Leyva was booked on felony charges of possession of a controlled substance while armed with a loaded handgun, possession of a controlled substance for sale, carrying a loaded firearm in a vehicle and receiving stolen property.

Robbery report

Newman police are investigating a reported strong-armed robbery which occurred early Monday morning in the 1300 block of S Street.

Police, citing the ongoing investigation, declined to release additional details.

Drug arrest

Police said Roy A. Renteria, 29, of Gustine, was arrested May 26 on suspicion of possessing a controlled substance.

According to police reports, Renteria was riding a bicycle when he was stopped by an officer at S and Inyo. Police said Renteria was subsequently found to be in possession of a substance which tested positive as methamphetamine.

He was booked on the felony drug charge.

Residential burglary

Police said items valued at $5,000 were reported stolen May 24 from a home in the 1000 block of S Street.

Antique jewelry, two rifles and a handgun were reported taken in the burglary.

Authorities said those responsible apparently intended to make off with a van from the garage and additional items as well. The van was found was found loaded with a variety of items. The vehicle ignition had been damaged.

Burglary

Police said several bird cages and storage totes containing bird cage accessories were reported stolen May 24 from a detached garage in the 1200 block of S Street.

The items were valued at $480.

Larcenies

Three residential larcenies were reported last week.

Police said a freezer valued at $2,000 was reported stolen May 22 from an unoccupied home in the 2200 block of Mt. Rainier.

A bicycle valued at $3,000 was reported stolen May 22 from the 1600 block of Coelho Court.

A variety of tools, an air compressor and an adult tricycle were reported stolen May 24 from an open garage of a home in the 1900 block of Upper Road. The items were valued at $1,500.

Vehicle theft

Police said a 1998 Honda Civic was reported stolen May 21 from a home in the 500 block of Ladyslipper. The vehicle was recovered later that day by Patterson Police Services.

Activity report

Newman police received 251 calls for service, handled 37 cases, made 16 arrests and issued 33 traffic citations from May 21-27, according to the department’s weekly report.

Gustine Police

Assault charge

Authorities said William M. Miller Jr., 23, of Gustine, was arrested May 22 on charges of assaulting a custodial officer.

According to police reports, an officer was attempting to transport Miller home from a downtown bar when Miller became belligerent and assaulted the officer.

Police said Miller was booked into Merced County Jail on the felony charge.

Firearm theft

Gustine police said a .9mm handgun was reported stolen May 23 from a residence in the 200 block of Sixth Street.

Activity report

Gustine police received 61 calls for service, reported 47 officer-initiated incidents (including 11 traffic stops), took 13 reports, made three arrests and issued one traffic citation from May 21-28, according to the department’s activity report.

Newman Police

Felony charges

A reported robbery attempt in the early morning hours of May 27 led to the arrest of a Newman man on multiple felony charges, police said.

Police said the incident occurred shortly after 12:30 a.m. in the 1300 block of S Street.

According to police reports, a man identified as 30-year-old Ramon Aguilar went to a residence searching for a woman and, finding her there, confronted her and demanded her backpack.

When she refused, police said, Aguilar attempted to pull the victim over a front porch railing as others attempted to prevent her from falling.

A neighbor intervened as well, police said, after being alerted to the altercation by screams.

Police said that when the woman eventually escaped his grasp, Aguilar swung an object described as a pole at them and made death threats before being chased off.

Authorities said the subsequent investigation led to the arrest of Aguilar on May 29.

He was booked on felony charges of attempted robbery, making criminal threats and attempted assault with a deadly weapon other than a firearm.

Drug arrest

A May 30 probation search at a residence in the 700 block of Driskell led to the arrest of a Newman woman on felony drug charges.

Police identified the suspect as Cheryl Larios, 67.

According to police reports, officers conducting a probation search of her residence discovered 10 baggies containing a substance which tested positive as methamphetamine, as well as a digital scale and packaging materials.

Police said Larios was booked on suspicion of possession of a controlled substance for sale.

Hit, run charge

Police said a single-vehicle rollover accident late Sunday evening led to the arrest of a local man on felony hit-and-run charges.

Authorities responding to a report of a traffic accident in the 500 block of Hills Ferry Road arrived to find a 1991 Dodge truck upside down on the south shoulder of the roadway, resting against a metal fence.

Witnesses told police that three people had been seen fleeing the accident scene on foot.

Authorities located one of the individuals, who was determined to have been a passenger in the vehicle and who was suffering from what was described as a “burn” on the forehead and arm scrapes.

According to police reports, officers were able to identify 22-year-old Ramiro G. Rios as the driver. He was taken into custody on charges of hit-and-run resulting in injury, authorities said.

The injured passenger was examined and cleared by emergency medical personnel, police said.

DUI arrest

Newman police said Matthew C. Brownlee, 26, of Newman, was arrested May 28 on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol.

Police said Brownlee was taken into custody following a traffic stop in the 1000 block of Fresno Street.

He was cited for DUI and released to the custody of a responsible adult.

Felony charge

Newman police said Marcy L. Archambault, 50, of Newman, was arrested May 29 on felony charges of second-degree burglary and writing a bad check after allegedly writing a check on a closed account in the amount of $78 to the city of Newman.

Vandalism

A vehicle parked in the 700 block of Banff was reportedly vandalized last week.

Paint damage to the vehicle was estimated at $300.

The incident was reported to police May 28.

Activity report

Newman police received 287 calls for service, handled 25 cases, made 14 arrests and issued 48 traffic citations from May 28 through June 3, according to the department’s activity report.

Gustine Police

DUI arrest

Gustine police said Roberto S. Arredondo, 21, of Gustine, was arrested June 1 on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol.

Authorities said Arredondo was taken into custody following a traffic stop at Via Alberti and Via Piedmont.

He was cited on the DUI charge and released to a responsible adult.

Gas theft

Police said gasoline valued at $40 was reportedly taken from a vehicle parked on Sixth Street in a theft reported June 3.

Fire investigation

Gustine police said a fire which broke out in a dumpster behind Depot Garage in the early morning hours of May 31 is being investigated as an arson.

Authorities said damage was limited to the dumpster.

Weekly report

Gustine police received 69 calls for service, reported 49 officer-initiated incidents (including nine traffic stops), took 15 reports, made four arrests and issued four traffic citations from May 28 through June 4, according to the department’s activity report.