On February 9, 2015 at approximately 5:08 p.m., Officer Greg Fillebrown observed a black Honda Civil in the 700 Block of Skylark Avenue operating with a loud modified exhaust system. Officer Fillebrown stopped the vehicle and contacted the 17-year-old driver, who was found to be on active Merced County Probation.
During the vehicle stop a 17-year-old male passenger was contacted and admitted to being in possession of Marijuana. When the Officer attempted to search the male he began to resist and would not allow himself to be handcuffed. The suspect and the Officer began to struggle and eventually both ended up on the ground, where the suspect continued to resist arrest. Officer Robert Wiens arrived and assisted in handcuffing the suspect, which led to the location of a loaded handgun and an additional ammunition magazine in the suspect’s waistband.
“While the suspect was fighting with Officer Fillebrown on the ground, our 9-1-1 dispatchers were receiving calls from neighbors asking we send the Officer more help; we greatly appreciate those of you who were concerned enough to call. At the same time, others were approaching the Officer to mock him, while recording the incident with their mobile phones. Fortunately the suspect was not able to reach his gun and hurt the Officer or those who were interfering.”
- Ray Reyna, Police Commander
The juvenile suspect was not injured during the incident and was later transported to the Merced County Juvenile Hall facility, charged with resisting arrest, possession of a concealed firearm, possession of a loaded firearm, and being a minor in possession of a firearm.
“It’s really unfortunate that some people would rather standby and record an Officer struggling with a suspect than call 9-1-1 or find another way to be helpful. Officer Fillebrown did a great job. We’re all very proud of him and another gun is off the streets.”
- Gary Brizzee, Chief of Police
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
