October 22, 2025 – Merced County Sheriff's Office officials report that they have taken a report regarding the theft of thirteen pumpkins from in front of St. Paul Lutheran Church & School, located in the 2900 block of McKee Road in Merced, California.

The theft occurred on October 11, 2025, at approximately 7:00 a.m. The pumpkins had been grown by children who attend the school, and a video, matching the footage circulating on social media, was turned over to the Sheriff's Office as evidence.

The video shows an adult male and a possible juvenile female taking the pumpkins from outside the building and loading them into a silver SUV.

It's disheartening to see something like this happen, especially to local kids who worked hard and took pride in growing those pumpkins. Our hope is that someone recognizes the people or the vehicle in the video so we can bring some closure to the students and their school.

The Sheriff's Office is asking for the public's help in identifying the individuals and the vehicle seen in the video. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Merced County Sheriff's Office at (209) 385-7547, Email us at: Sherifftips@countyofmerced.com or message us on Facebook at Merced County Sheriff's Office.

All tips and information may remain anonymous.

Source & photos: Merced County Sheriff's Office