July 26, 2024 - Merced County Sheriff's Office officials report on Thursday, around 6:30 p.m., Deputy De Los Santos tried to pull over a car speeding at over 100 mph near Santa Fe Drive and Highway 59 in Merced.

The driver, Gerardo Silva-Hernandez, didn't stop and continued driving at a dangerously high speed into the City of Merced. Deputy De Los Santos briefly lost sight of the car but quickly found it going in the opposite direction.

Despite reaching speeds of over 100 mph, Deputy De Los Santos ended the pursuit due to heavy traffic and concerns for community safety near Santa Fe Drive and Business Park Way. As he approached the intersection of Franklin Road and Santa Fe Drive, the suspect's car crashed into another vehicle, and Gerardo ran from the scene.

Deputy De Los Santos chased after him into a cornfield and took him into custody shortly afterward.

Gerardo was later booked into Merced County Jail for failing to yield, fleeing the scene of an accident, and reckless driving.


Source: Merced County Sheriff's Office