Los Banos Police Department

This week we were proud to send three of our staff members, Police Services Manager Chetna Patel, Officer Teresa Provencio and Sergeant Surina Gonzales, to the 2024 California Women Leaders in Law Enforcement Training Conference in Southern California.

Training is very important at the Los Banos Police Department and we are excited to see what new ideas our staff bring back to help us better serve the public and develop our staff.

Our officers are out there, ensuring the community stays safe 24/7! 🚔 Remember, it’s still hot out, so keep those water bottles handy and stay hydrated, everyone! 💧

Drive Smart for Back to School Month: Slow and Look for Children!

Our staff had a great time meeting Assemblywoman Esmeralda Soria at today's Community Resource Fair and backpack giveaway at Westside Elementary School, going on until 1 p.m.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the 2024 National Night Out event! 🎉

It was an incredible evening of fun and community spirit at Henry Miller Plaza. From live music that got everyone dancing, to exciting raffle prizes, and delicious treats from our amazing food vendors—this night had it all!

We’re so grateful to everyone who participated, engaged in activities, and connected with neighbors. Events like this truly showcase what makes Los Banos such a special place.

Let’s continue to celebrate our strong community bonds. We can’t wait to see you all again next year!

Suspect Arrested for Attempted Homicide

On August 5, 2024 around 7:30 p.m., officers responded to the 200 block of Mercy Springs Rd. for the report of a stabbing. When officers arrived they located a male suffering from several stab wounds. There were several witnesses present when this unprovoked attack occurred. The witnesses followed the responsible person as he fled the area on foot. The suspect was able to evade the pursuing witnesses however they knew him by name and provided that information to responding officers.

Officers secured multiple locations and were able to locate the person identified by the witnesses. Reginald Scott Grimes Jr., age 25 of Los Banos, was arrested and booked at the Los Banos City Jail under the chargers if attempted murder, (664/187 PC).

Our thoughts are with the victim and his family while they recover from this senseless act.

Anyone with additional information about this crime should contact Detective Stephen O’Day at 209-827-7070. 

New Police Facility Wins CMAA Project Achievement Award

In May, the new Police Department facility was honored to win this year’s Construction Management Association of America (CMAA) Project Achievement Award in the Northern California Division. This was a huge honor and something we are very proud of.

Today, we were thrilled to receive our very own copy of the award which will be housed at the new Police Facility. Thank you Vanir Project Management, Swinerton Builders and Shaw Kawasaki Architects for delivering a building that our community can be proud of.

2024 National Night Out Event Prizes

Join us for a fantastic evening at the National Night Out on August 6th from 6-9 PM at Henry Miller Plaza! 🎉

Enjoy live music, delicious food from local vendors, exciting raffle prizes, and fun activities for the whole family. Don’t miss your chance to win part of the $1000 worth of prizes!

Mark your calendars and be there! You won’t want to miss this community celebration.

Congratulations Officer Todd Pricolo

Earlier today, Officer Todd Pricolo along with his family, joined him as he celebrated his last day of employment as a Los Banos Police Officer.

Officer Pricolo has officially retired after 24 years of dedicated service to our community. Officer Pricolo started with the Los Banos Police Department in November of 2000 as a Patrol Officer, and has been a friendly and familiar face in Los Banos.

Over the years, Officer Pricolo has served as a Patrol Officer, Field Training Officer, Traffic Enforcement Officer, Radar/Lidar Instructor, Traffic Survey Officer, and has been involved in several major traffic related investigations. In addition, Officer Pricolo has earned numerous awards for his investigations related to auto theft and has been instrumental in recovering numerous stolen vehicles in town.

Los Banos, please join us in congratulating Officer Todd Pricolo on an outstanding 24 years of service to our great community!

Congratulations once again Todd on your well-deserved retirement, your LBPD family is always here for you and we are excited to see you start the next chapter of your life.

We got a call about some suspicious activity, but it turned into a sweet surprise! 🍋🚓

Instead of trouble, we found a young entrepreneur selling the best lemonade in town. She’s raising money for her dance classes, and we’re more than happy to support her efforts!

It’s moments like these that remind us of the strong community spirit in Los Banos. 💛✨

Yesterday, we proudly swear in our 8th Sergeant, Juan Soriano, surrounded by friends and family. Sergeant Soriano’s journey with LBPD started as a Code Enforcement Officer, and he has since served as a Patrol Officer, Field Training Officer, Motor Traffic Officer, and Detective. He also holds a Part-107 drone pilot certificate from the FAA and is a valued member of LBPD’s drone team.

Congratulations, Sergeant Soriano! 🌟 ”

LBPD Swears In our 8th Sergeant. Say hello to Sergeant Juan Soriano!

Sergeant Juan Soriano was sworn-in today surrounded by friends and family. Sergeant Soriano started with LBPD as a Code Enforcement Officer, he worked as a Patrol Officer, Field Training Officer, Motor Traffic Officer and a Detective. Sergeant Soriano also holds a Part-107 drone pilot certificate through the FAA, and is a member of LBPD's drone team.

Congratulations Juan!

Late Night Calls and Patrol

We responded to a fire to ensure everyone’s safety, followed by a couple of traffic stops. It was a busy night, but our team is always on the move, keeping our community safe and sound!

🌟

🚔👮‍♂️ Officer Friendly at the Community Center!

During a break between calls, one of our friendly police officers visited the playgroup at the Community Center. Stickers were handed out, friendships were made, questions were answered, and a lot of fun was had!

A big thank you to all the kids at the playgroup for making our day brighter with your smiles and enthusiasm! 😊💙

We held a Department Staff Inspection at the Police Station (1111 G Street) yesterday, which allows the police chief and his administrative team to inspect all staff, their uniforms and equipment.

We do this to ensure operational readiness of the department and we also use this time to hold an all hands meeting where updates are provided and staff have an opportunity to ask questions as a department.

Yesterday we also issued out new badges which were designed with input from police staff. Last, we updated our department photo and new staff took individual department photos for our new photo board.

Shoutout to Los Banos Dispatch! From managing calls to coordinating resources, they’re the backbone of our safety network. Thank you for your dedication and hard work!

Anyone Need to Beat The Heat?

Here is a list of Merced County Cooling Zones.

Los Banos PD welcomes New Officer!

Andres Hernandez graduated from the Fresno Police Academy this afternoon surrounded by his wonderful family. Officer Hernandez will now start his journey in the Department Field Training Program.

Congratulations Officer Hernandez.

Senior Scam Stopper Seminar

This Friday between 10:00 and 11:00 a.m., feel free to RSVP (209-726-5465) for a free class in Senior Scam Awareness. Space is limited, RSVP if you are interested in attending.

PRESS RELEASE PRESS RELEASE PRESS RELEASE

Thursday, June 27th, 2024

DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint Planned

The Los Banos Police Department will be conducting a DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint on Thursday, June 27th 2024 at an undisclosed location within the City limits, between the hours of 7 p.m. and 11 p.m.

The deterrent effect of DUI checkpoints is a proven resource in reducing the number of persons killed and injured in alcohol or drug involved crashes. Research shows that crashes involving an impaired driver can be reduced by up to 20 percent when well-publicized DUI checkpoints and proactive DUI patrols are conducted routinely.

Officers will be looking for signs of alcohol and/or drug impairment with officers checking drivers for proper licensing delaying motorists only momentarily. When possible, specially trained officers will be available to evaluate those suspected of drug-impaired driving. Recent statistics reveal that 30 percent of drivers in fatal crashes had one or more drugs in their systems. A study of active drivers showed more tested positive for drugs that may impair driving (14 percent) than did for alcohol (7.3 percent). Of the drugs, ma*****na was most prevalent, at 7.4 percent, slightly more than alcohol.

In California, this deadly crime led to 1,159 deaths in 2020 because someone failed to designate a sober driver. Nationally, the latest data shows 11,654 were killed by an impaired driver during 2020. From 2019 to 2021, collisions involving alcohol and/or drugs claimed two lives in Los Banos and resulted in 84 injuries. Operations like this aim to reduce these senseless tragedies and bring awareness to our community about the dangers of driving under the influence.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), checkpoints have provided the most effective documented results of any of the DUI enforcement strategies, while also yielding considerable cost savings of $6 for every $1 spent. Nearly 90 percent of California drivers approve of DUI Checkpoints. Based on collision statistics and frequency of DUI arrests, DUI Checkpoints are placed in locations that have the greatest opportunity for achieving drunk and drugged driving deterrence. Locations are chosen with safety considerations for the officers and the public.

“If your evening plans include drinking, remember to designate yourself a sober driver. A night out with friends and family can end in tragedy when drinking and driving are combined. We also ask that everyone take extra care when considering driving if certain medications or drugs have been used. Drug consumption on its own or in combination with alcohol can quickly impair a driver’s ability to safely operate their vehicle.”

-Michael Neal, Detective

Drivers caught driving impaired can expect the impact of a DUI arrest to include jail time, fines, fees, DUI classes, other expenses that can exceed $10,000 not to mention the embarrassment when friends and family find out

Funding for this checkpoint is provided to the Los Banos Police Department by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, reminding everyone to continue to work together to bring an end to these tragedies. If you see a Drunk Driver – Call 9-1-1.

To leave an anonymous crime tip call 209-827-2545. 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. Clock on the “Contact” page and simply and simply fill out the online form, or visit the Merced Area Crime Stoppers by telephone at 1-855-725-2420, or at www.mercedareacrimestoppers.org

Merced Area Crime Stoppers Assisting local Law Enforcement in the apprehension of wanted persons in the Merced Area

Narcotic Arrest!

Yesterday afternoon, June 19th at 5:42 p.m., Officer Brian Laguna arrested Abel Salinas Jr. (age 41-Los Banos resident) for several narcotic related violations including, possession of Fentanyl for sale. Salinas was booked into the Los Banos City Jail.

Great work Officer Laguna!

Save The Date!
National Night Out 2024!

We are excited to be hosting yet another exciting fun-filled FREE event for the residents of Los Banos. This year we will be hosting the event at the Henry Miller Plaza on Tuesday, August 6.

See you there.

Officer of the Year!

Detective Soriano was recognized during the 2024 Merced County Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Awards. Detective Soriano is a outstanding representative of the Los Banos Police Department. In addition to being a Detective, Juan can often be found operating the Police Motor, as he holds the Motor Officer assignment as a collateral duty.

Congratulations Detective Soriano!