On May 20, 2013 at approximately 11:32 p.m. the Los Banos Police Department responded to a mechanic shop in the 2500 Block of East Pacheco Boulevard regarding a suspicious vehicle on the property.
Officer Vanus Warren arrived and contacted the 64-year-old property owner who arrived shortly before the Officer. The property owner told the Officer he observed a suspicious 1991 GMC Jimmy S.U.V. and a male near his business. The property owner said he believed the male was hiding somewhere on the property. Officers searched the area and located 25-year-old Justin Perdew of Mid Pines California hiding near a vehicle.
During a search, Officers located vehicle lug nuts on the ground next to Perdew which belonged to a vehicle that was parked on the lot. Perdew also had tools to remove the lug nuts and Officers believed he was attempting to steal tires from the vehicles on the lot. A records check also confirmed Perdew was on probation for burglary out of Mariposa County.
Perdew was placed under arrest and booked into the Los Banos Police Department jail charged with vehicle tampering and trespassing. No damage was reported to the victims business and Perdew has been released from custody and is scheduled to appear at the Merced County Superior Court regarding the above listed charges.
To leave an anonymous crime tip call 209-827-7070 Ext. 288. If you have access to a computer and the internet you can also leave an anonymous tip at the Police Department’s web page at www.losbanos.org. At the bottom of the “Contact” page simply click on the “report graffiti and other crime” link or visit the Merced Area Crime Stoppers by telephone at 1-855-725-2420, or at www.mercedareacrimestoppers.org
