Newman Police

The Newman Police Department received 78 calls for service and reported 85 officer-initiated calls for a total of 163 incidents from July 12 to July 18.

The department opened 21 cases and had 10 arrests. There were 17 traffic citations, four criminal citations, three parking citations and five animal citations. Six vehicles were towed.

Auto thefts

The Newman Police Department took reports of three stolen vehicles, one of which was recovered and arrested one suspect found in a stolen car over the previous week.

The first theft was reported on July 14 and took place in the 700 block of Tulare Street. A 1998 red Honda CRV was stolen from an apartment complex parking lot. On July 16, the vehicle was located by the Atwater Police Department and returned to the registered owner.

The second and third vehicle thefts were both reported on July 17. A purple 2018 Dodge Challenger was stolen from the 1300 block of Pointer Way. The other was a black 2019 Dodge Charger that was stolen from the 1200 block of Barrington.

A tan BMW that had been previously reported stolen out of Los Banos was recovered on July 15 and a suspect arrested, according to the police department. Around 3 p.m. the department relayed information to Officer Freeman that the stolen vehicle was seen in the area of Highway 33 and Inyo Avenue and was headed southbound.

Freeman found the vehicle as it was entering Gustine and working with the Gustine Police Department, a traffic stop was initiated. The suspect, identified as Hector Martinez Jr., 21, surrendered to K9 Gizmo.

Arrests

Oswaldo Parra, 53, of Salida was arrested on July 12 for being an unlicensed driver and a warrant.

Hector Martinez, 21, of Los Banos was arrested on July 15 for vehicle theft and possession of a stolen vehicle.

Martha Espinoza, 36, of Newman was arrested on July 16 for driving with a license suspended for DUI.

A 15-year-old Newman boy was arrested on July 16 for a curfew violation.

A 14-year-old Newman boy was arrested on July 16 for a curfew violation.

Yesenia Islas, 38, of Newman was arrested on July 17 for a warrant.

Jesus Razo Aranda, 53, of Newman was arrested on July 17 for DUI causing bodily injury and DUI of .08 or more causing injury.

Gustine Police

At 10:20 p.m. on July 13, Officer Hollis observed the driver of a white Hyundai commit a traffic violation in his presence in the area of Sullivan Road. Officer Hollis made a stop of the vehicle and made contact with the driver. During the investigation, Officer Hollis determined the driver was driving under the influence. The driver was arrested and later released via citation.

 On July 18, Officer Trujillo was dispatched to the 400 block of 1st Avenue regarding a belligerent trespasser who was refusing to leave. Officer Trujillo arrived on scene and placed the subject under arrest. The subject was later booked at the Merced County Jail.

Arrests

Andrew Luis Soto, 33, was arrested at 8:18 a.m. on July 18 in the 400 block of 1st Street was arrested for trespassing.