June 10, 2026 – Merced CHP reports about a stolen handgun, an impaired driver, and a fleeing suspect. All during a single graveyard shift.

The other night, one of our graveyard units spotted a stolen vehicle near State Route 140 and Carole Avenue. When the unit attempted to stop the vehicle, the driver jumped out and ran. After a brief search, officers located the suspect and took them into custody.

A short time later, that same graveyard unit observed a vehicle weaving on Winton Way near Myrtle Avenue. A traffic stop was conducted, and the driver was determined to be under the influence.

During the investigation, officers also recovered a stolen handgun from inside the vehicle.

In just a few hours, a stolen vehicle was recovered, a fleeing suspect was arrested, an impaired driver was removed from the roadway, and a stolen firearm was taken off the streets.

Every stolen firearm recovered is one less stolen firearm available to be used in a future crime. Last night’s arrests are a reminder that proactive patrol matters and that dangerous decisions often lead to much bigger problems.

If you suspect an impaired driver is on the roadway, call 9-1-1 and be a good witness.

Source & photos: Merced CHP