April 5, 2023 - Merced – Merced Police Department officials reported that the Merced PD Gang Unit arrested two men on Tuesday April 4, 2023, after serving two search warrants. Both men were arrested for illegal firearms possession.

On April 4, 2023, at approximately 9:30 A.M., Merced PD Gang Officers served two separate search warrants in the 2100 block of Lobo Ave. and the 2100 block of Granite Creek Dr. Officer Tevon Prevostini obtained information that the subjects at both locations were in possession of firearms illegally as they are prohibited from possessing them.

Mauricio Villafan (43) was arrested as he was found to be in possession of a loaded 40 caliber handgun that had the serial numbers altered. Villafan was arrested for possession of a firearm and possession of ammunition by a prohibited person.

Frank Azevedo (61) was found in possession of a loaded 45 caliber handgun, a .22 caliber rifle, methamphetamine, wooden nunchucks and metal knuckles. Azevedo was arrested for possession of firearms and ammunition by a prohibited person, possession of illegal weapons and possession of narcotics.

Merced Police are asking anyone with any information regarding this crime to contact Officer Prevostini at 209-388-7728 or by email at PrevostiniT@CityofMerced.org.  

Case Number: 23-17138 Lobo Ave

Case Number: 23-17147 Granite Creek

Other ways to contact us or report crime include:

For any emergency call or text 911

For non-emergency call 209-385-6912

Anonymous Tip Line (Non-emergency) call 209-385-4725

Anonymous Tips online at http://www.mercedareacrimestoppers.org/index.html.

Some crimes can be reported online through the Merced PD website https://www.cityofmerced.org/departments/police.

Source & photos: Merced Police Department