September 20, 2021 – Merced – Merced Police officers and fire personnel responded to 1311 Derby court for a report of a structure fire. Upon arrival one resident was located in the neighbor’s yard suffering from severe burns across their body. Medical personnel transported the victim to an area hospital for treatment.

Once the fire was contained, police personnel were able to see visible signs of what appeared to be a marijuana oil conversion lab.

Several propane fuel tanks, colanders, and marijuana were scattered throughout the debris field. The explosion could be felt for blocks and damaged surrounding houses and property. Due to toxic chemicals and contamination, the Department of Justice was called in and the scene turned over to them for investigation.

Case Number: 21-57068

Merced Police are asking anyone with any information regarding this crime to contact Officer Lopez at 209-385-6905 or by email at Lopezj@cityofmerced.org.

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 & photo: Merced Police Department