January 26, 2026 – Merced CHP officials report that on Sunday afternoon, they received a call from a victim who was actively following their stolen vehicle, which they reported was stolen from a church earlier on Sunday morning. Sergeant Lara located the suspect vehicle near Santa Fe Road and Olive Avenue. When an enforcement stop was attempted, the driver fled and a pursuit was initiated. Officers Garza and Enriquez assisted with the pursuit as it continued through the City of Merced and ended when the suspect vehicle collided with a tree at 16th Street and T Street. Thankfully, no one was injured, and the suspect was apprehended.

Pursuits are dangerous and unpredictable. They put the suspect, officers, and everyone else on the roadway at risk, especially in busy city streets with traffic, pedestrians, and intersections.

If your vehicle is stolen, do not try to get it back yourself. Be a good witness. Get to a safe location, call 911, and provide clear details like the vehicle description, license plate, direction of travel, and last known location. Then let law enforcement handle the response.

Your safety is worth more than property.

Source & photos: Merced CHP