March 6, 2022 - MERCED- The Merced Police Department reports a seventeen year-old juvenile was arrested for possession of a firearm after a fight broke out at a house party.

On Saturday, March 5th, at 11:57 P.M., officers responded to a loud party disturbance at the 1700 block of Edgewood Court. Approximately 200 college students were in attendance.

While officers were at the scene, a fight broke out and there was mention of a firearm being involved. Officers entered the residence and broke up the disturbance in the backyard. Nobody was injured in the disturbance.

Officer Arturo Gaona witnessed a 17-year-old remove a firearm and discard it on the ground. He was arrested and transported to the Merced Police Department. He was released to the custody of his mother.

The host of the party, Steffan Smith-Arceo (18), was cited and released for disturbing the peace and furnishing alcohol to minors.

Case Number: 22-13301

Merced Police are asking anyone with information regarding this incident to contact Officer Gaona at (209) 385-6905 or by email at gaonaa@cityofmerced.org.

Other ways to contact us or report a crime include:

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For non-emergency call 209-385-6912.

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Source: Merced Police Department