April 23, 2023 - Merced – Merced Police Department officials report that on April 22, 2023, the Merced Police Department and Merced County Probation Officers worked together conducting 20 probation and parole searches in the City of Merced.

As officers conducted a parole search in the 3200 block of Fairfax Ct., they located a 38-caliber revolver and ammunition. The resident Jeremiah Espinoza (28), a known gang member was arrested for possession of a firearm and ammunition by a prohibited person and for a violation of parole.

Through proactive enforcement, Merced Police Officers and Gang Unit Officers have recovered 25 firearms this month from people who are prohibited from possessing them. Merced Police are asking for anyone with information related to illegal firearms possession or illegal firearms sales/ manufacturing to please contact them at one of the following options.

Merced PD Case Number: 23-20543

Officer Justin Saldivar at 209-388-7735 or by email at SaldivarJ@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 & photos: Merced Police Department