Merced PD was in a pursuit of an alleged gang member on December 5, 2020, speeds reached up to an estimated 100 mph.
The pursuit began when officers approached the suspect in the 500 block of Collins Drive, Marco Garibay , 29, sped away in his vehicle erratically. GVSU officers pursued Garibay to the area of Baker Dr. and the new Merced Expressway overpass. Garibay’s vehicle became disabled when he jumped a small irrigation canal leading him to flee on foot into a nearby orchard. Officers surrounded the area and with the assistance of a helicopter unit from the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office he was found, police say.
Officers searched Garibay’s vehicle and located a loaded AR pistol and a magazine for another handgun. GVSU Sergeant Joe Perez stated, “getting this type of weapon out of the hands of gang members saves lives”. Garibay also threw out a bag containing narcotics during the pursuit, which was later retrieved by officers.
Garibay was arrested for possession of an assault weapon, prohibited person in possession of ammunition, possession of narcotics for sales, felony evading in a vehicle and gang enhancements, police say.
He was booked into the Merced County Jail after being treated for injuries resulting from an airbag deployment caused by the collision at the end of the pursuit.
