Photo: Glock 19 Pistol found during arrest | City of Chowchilla PD
Originally Published By: City of Chowchilla PD
“On January 23, 2023, at approx. 0757 hours, Officers from the Chowchilla Police Department received a report of (2) suspicious subjects wearing dark colored clothing, attempting to break into a vehicle located in the area of 297 Myer Dr.
Officers patrolled the area and later located the (2) subjects matching the description, provided to dispatch. Once contacted by a patrol officer, both subjects fled on foot through the complex discarding items from their person(s) as they fled. One of our officers were able to apprehend the first subject who was later identified as John Flores (26yo) from Merced, CA. It was later learned that he was a wanted felon for parole violations out of Merced and an active Northern gang member. The second subject who ran, was observed running into a nearby apartment. A perimeter was set around the apartment and announcements were given to the occupants inside. After a short time, the occupants exited the apartment. While checking the apartment, officers found the second subject, later identified as Andrew Romero (25) also from Merced, CA and also on parole, was still inside. Romero was taken into custody at that time.
After further investigation and walking the path the fleeing parolees took, officers located a loaded, unregistered, fully automatic Glock 19 pistol with an extended 33 round magazine. An
Firearm recovered during arrest | City of Chowchilla PD
additional loaded 33 round magazine, and a loaded 15 round magazine were also found. A records check on both Flores and Romero was conducted and found that both subjects were currently on CDC Parole and Flores had (2) active felony warrants for his arrest. Flores was arrested on his warrants, battery on a peace officer, resisting arrest and numerous firearm related charges. Romero was also arrested for violating his terms and conditions of his Parole, resisting arrest, and numerous firearm related charges. Both subjects were later transported and booked into the Madera County Jail.
The City of Chowchilla Police Department continues to stay vigilant in combating all crimes and we will continue to do so to make our community a safer place. We ask our community to stay vigilant with us and report crimes when they occur. It takes all of us together, to keep criminal elements out of our city.”
