Full Notification

On June 13, 2013 at approximately 8:12 p.m., the Los Banos Police Department responded to a business in the 1500 Block of West Pacheco Boulevard regarding a theft.

An employee from the store attempted to stop 22-year-old Gregory Valencia of Dos Palos as he was attempting to steal items from the business. Although no firearm was seen, Valencia threatened to shoot the employee as he fled the store. The employee contacted the Los Banos Police Department as Valencia left the area east on Pacheco Boulevard in a red Chrysler convertible vehicle.

Officer Christopher Borchardt located the suspect vehicle traveling east on Pacheco Boulevard. Additional Officers responded and a high risk vehicle stop was conducted in the area of 6th and Pacheco Boulevard.

Valencia and a 29-year-old male were removed from the vehicle and detained while Officers investigated the incident. Stolen property from the business was also located in the vehicle and Valencia was placed under arrest after being identified by the store employee.

Officers were able to determine Valencia had an outstanding arrest warrant for drug influence and resisting arrest out of San Jose. The second male was not charged with any crime and no firearms were located on either suspect or in the vehicle.

While investigating this case, Detective Jake Bento recognized Valencia as being very similar in description to the April 28, 2013 suspect who committed an armed robbery at a business in the 1900 Block of East Pacheco Boulevard. After several hours of investigation, Valencia was identified as the suspect in that robbery as well.

“The suspect has been cooperating with our detectives and is providing details regarding both cases. Detective Bento did a great job recognizing the suspect description and helping to close the April case.”
-Ray Reyna, Commander

Valencia is currently in custody at the Merced Main Jail pending $82,000.00 bail, charged with robbery, commercial burglary, possession of stolen property, providing false information to a law enforcement officer and the warrant.


Original Press Release-April 29, 2013

On April 28, 2013 at approximately 8:14 p.m., the Los Banos Police Department responded to a business in the 1900 Block of East Pacheco Boulevard regarding an armed robbery.

Officers arrived and contacted three employees who reported being robbed by a light skinned male armed with a handgun. The victims cooperated with the suspect’s demands and were not injured during the robbery. The suspect fled the area in an unknown direction with cash from the business.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Detective Justin Melden at (209) 827-7070 ext. 114 or the Merced Area Crime Stoppers.

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