December 3, 2023 - Merced County Sheriff's Office officials report that on Friday, at approximately 1:15 p.m., School Resource Deputy De Los Santos located a confirmed stolen vehicle near Buhach Road and Juniper Avenue in the City of Atwater. Deputy De Los Santos initiated a vehicle stop; however, the driver failed to stop, and a short vehicle pursuit began. The driver, identified as Izael Antonio Quintero-Valdez, ran from the vehicle. Additional Deputies and the Atwater Police Department arrived to help locate Quintero-Valdez.

Ultimately, he was found in the bed of a pickup truck and was taken into custody without incident. Quintero-Valdez was later booked into Merced County Jail for felony evading, receiving stolen property, obstructing, and several other Merced County warrants.

We are grateful for the collaboration with the Atwater Police Department and the communication between dispatch centers. Great job by all!

Source: Merced County Sheriff's Office