June 20, 2024 – Merced County Sheriff's Office officials report that early yesterday afternoon, Sheriff Vern Warnke was in Winton and noticed smoke in the area. Dispatch was unaware of a fire, which prompted the Sheriff to investigate. When he arrived at Santa Fe Drive and Center Street, he noticed a few other small fires that appeared to have just started.

As he followed the trail of fires, he witnessed a male suspect start another one. At that time, Deputy Lopez and Deputy Zaragoza arrived and the suspect, identified as Roberto Vega Jr., began to run.  After a short foot pursuit, the Sheriff and Deputies were able to take Vega into custody.

Vega was booked into the Merced County Jail for arson. Great job, by all!

Source: Merced County Sheriff's Office