Victim fights suspect in auto burglary, two suspects arrested

Merced Police officers were dispatched to the 700 block W. 14th St for two subjects fighting at around 1:54 a.m., Friday.

Officers located the victim of an auto burglary that had just occurred. The victim was trying to detain the suspect, Jose Lopez. The victim saw Lopez break out the glass and steal items from one of his vehicles, police say.

A female associated to Lopez, Dora Zarate was also arrested for conspiracy to commit a crime. Zarate was suspected as acting as a lookout for Lopez as he committed the auto burglary.

Merced Police have investigated multiple burglaries in the same area over the past month.

Merced Police are asking anyone with any information regarding this crime to contact Officer Prevostini at (209) 385-7728.