On August 5, 2014 at approximately 8:05 p.m., Los Banos Police Officers were dispatched to the 2100 block of Racquet Club Drive for a welfare check. Merced County Child Welfare Services (CWS) reported concerns of children in danger at the residence.
Police officers arrived and learned David Wayne Louden, 45, of Los Banos left the residence, under the influence of drugs and in possession of a loaded firearm.
Louden returned to the residence as officers were talking to the three teen age children. As the officers approached the vehicle Louden was driving he tried to conceal a loaded, 9 mm handgun from view. Officers found methamphetamine, marijuana and drug paraphernalia during a search of Louden’s residence.
“It’s always heart breaking when a parent puts their children in a dangerous situation and unfortunately it’s something we deal with more than we’d like to. Fortunately, someone had the courage to speak up and alert authorities.”
- Gary Brizzee, Chief of Police
Louden was arrested for weapons violations, possession of a controlled substance, possession of marijuana for sales and child endangerment. Louden remains in custody at the John Latorraca Correctional Facility in lieu of $157,000.00 bail.
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
