Merced PD Gang Unit arrests two after vehicle pursuit

by CrimeVoice Admin , June 8, 2021

ABOVE: Charlene Williams (L) and Mark Straus (R) | Merced PD

Originally published 6-5-21 via Facebook
by the Merced Police Department:

“Merced – Two handguns including a stolen firearm were located by Merced PD Gang Unit officers after a vehicle pursuit.

On June 4th at approximately 5:23 PM, Gang Unit Officer Rocha and Sergeant Salyers attempted to stop a vehicle near East Yosemite Parkway and East Main Street. The vehicle failed to stop and led officers on a vehicle pursuit for several miles where the driver fled on foot. The driver was caught after a short foot chase, and he was identified as 29-year-old Mark Straus a known gang member from Merced.

When officers searched the vehicle, they located 2 loaded handguns. One of the handguns was reported stolen out of Las Vegas Nevada. Straus’s previous criminal convictions prohibit him from possessing firearms and ammunition.

Straus was booked at Merced County Jail for illegal possession of a firearm, illegal possession of ammunition, and felony evading a peace officer. The passenger 33-year-old Charlene Williams was also arrested for possession of a concealed firearm.

Case Number: 21-32665

Merced Police are asking anyone with any information regarding this crime to contact Officer Rocha at 209-388-7846 or by email at RochaT [AT] cityofmerced.org.”