September 3, 2026 – Merced Police Department officials report that they received a tip from a concerned community member regarding several explosions reported in the area of Teak Ave. in Merced County.

Thanks to information provided by members of our community, officers were able to identify the suspect and locate his residence, which was within the city limits of Merced. With the assistance of the Merced County Sheriff’s Office and the Merced Police Department Bomb Squad, officers served a search warrant at the suspect’s residence. On September 1, 2026, the suspect was arrested and taken into custody.

During the service of the warrant, officers located and seized large quantities of steroids, illegal fireworks, explosive devices, and a short-barreled rifle.

The suspect was booked into the Merced County Jail for possession of destructive devices, possession of controlled substances, possession of dangerous fireworks, possession of short-barreled rifle.

This investigation is a great example of the important partnership between law enforcement and the community. We want to thank the concerned residents who came forward and reported what they were seeing and hearing. Your willingness to speak up and provide information can make a real difference in keeping our neighborhoods safe.

Through the combined efforts of our community members, the Merced County Sheriff’s Office, and the Merced Police Department Bomb Squad, these potentially dangerous and illegal items have been removed from our community.

Thank you to the residents who helped bring this information forward and helped us make Merced a safer place.

Source & photos: Merced Police Department