January 16, 2022 – Merced – Merced PD Gang Unit made several arrests at the Merced Inn & Suites Motel where gang members were found in possession of firearms.

On January 15, 2022, the Merced Police Departments Gang Violence Suppression Unit followed up on information regarding several rooms at the Merced Inn & Suites Motel that had occupants in possession of firearms.

At approximately 1:22 P.M., Gang Unit Officer Tevon Prevostini conducted a probation search of Douglas Smith’s (39) room. A search of the room revealed a loaded 9mm Polymer 80 handgun. Smith is a convicted felon, and he is prohibited from possessing firearms. Smith was arrested for several firearm related charges.

At approximately 8:12 P.M. the Gang Unit served a search warrant upon a second room at the Merced Inn & Suites. The occupants of the room Briana Villegas (24), Neomi Akard (43), Robert Yanez (44), and Miguel Garcia (26) were all arrested for possession of a firearm by a prohibited person and gang enhancements. During a search a Polymer 80 9mm handgun was found.

Case Number: 22-2988 and 22-3075

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