Los Banos Police Department

Los Banos Police Department The Los Banos Police Department works hard to provide efficient and courteous service to the citizens of Los Banos. Profane language or content;
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Please do not attempt to report a crime or emergency via the Los Banos Police Department page. This page is used for disseminating infomation only. Information will be posted during regular business hours with an exception of matters of extreme public safety. If you would like to report a crime or need officer assistance please call (209) 827-7070 ext.0 or 911 in an emergency. Before post

ing on this page, please review these terms:

• In case of emergency, dial 911.
• If you need non-emergency assistance or want to report suspicious activity, please dial (209) 827-7070 x0.
• A posting on this page constitutes acceptance of these terms.
• Do not use this page to report a crime.
• Posting information related to a crime on this page, is not deemed anonymous. You may be contacted by a Police Employee if you are a witness to a crime.
• “Liking” between the Los Banos Police Department and a citizen does not indicate endorsement of that person’s actions or comments.
• This site shall not contain any of the following, and the Department reserves the right to remove comments containing any of the following elements as soon as possible:
a. Comments that are not topically related to the particular posting being commented upon;
b. Content that promotes, fosters, or perpetuates discrimination on the basis of race, creed, color, age, religion, gender, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability or sexual orientation;
d. Sexual content or links to sexual content;
e. Content that threatens or defames any person or organization;
f. Comments in support of or opposition to political campaigns or ballot measures;
g. Content that solicits or promotes commercial services or products;
h. Content that engages in or encourages illegal activity;
i. Information that may compromise the safety or security of the public, public systems, or employees; or
j. Content that violates a legal ownership interest of another party. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Department is not obligated to take such actions, and the Department and the City disclaim any and all responsibility and liability for materials deemed inappropriate for posting which cannot be removed in an expeditious and otherwise timely manner. A comment posted by a member of the public on this site is the opinion of the commentator or poster only, and the posting of a comment does not imply endorsement of, or agreement by, the Department or the City, nor do such comments necessarily reflect their opinions or policies. The Department and the City neither guarantee the authenticity, accuracy, appropriateness or security of external links, websites, or content linked thereto. Any content posted to this site is subject to public disclosure. If you require a response or are requesting services from the Los Banos Police Department please call (209) 827-7070 x0

To anonymously report crime you can:
Call the Anonymous Tip Line: 209-827-7070 ext. 288
Log on to the Police Department Website and submit your tip. Visit Merced Area Crime Stoppers at: http://mercedareacrimestoppers.org
"Crime Doesn't Pay - Crime Stoppers Does!"

Arrest Made for Distributing Va**ng Products to Minors!The Los Banos Police Department and the Los Banos Unified School ...
06/04/2026

Arrest Made for Distributing Va**ng Products to Minors!

The Los Banos Police Department and the Los Banos Unified School District have recently observed an increase in ma*****na and ni****ne v**e devices being found in the possession of students, including children as young as third grade elementary school age.

On May 4, 2026, School Resource Officers received information regarding an Instagram account that was allegedly advertising and selling ma*****na v**e products to local students. An extensive investigation was initiated.

The investigation identified two juvenile suspects, ages 17 and 16, who were involved in the possession and distribution of ma*****na and ni****ne v**e products. Evidence obtained during the investigation included photographs, videos, and communications showing large quantities of va**ng devices and cannabis products.

Officers located and seized a significant quantity of ni****ne and cannabis va**ng products, along with additional contraband.
The juvenile suspects were released to the custody of their parents. An adult suspect Alexis Valverde, age 19, was arrested and booked for violations related to the sale of cannabis to minors and conspiracy.

The Los Banos Police Department remains committed to working in partnership with the Los Banos Unified School District to ensure a safe learning environment for all students. We encourage parents to speak with their children about the dangers of va**ng, the risks associated with cannabis use, and the legal consequences of possessing or distributing these products.

Anyone with information regarding the sale of va**ng or controlled substance products to minors is encouraged to contact the Los Banos Police Department.

Detective Barrera Named Officer Of The Year! We are incredibly proud to announce Detective Miguel Barrera as the Los Ban...
05/20/2026

Detective Barrera Named Officer Of The Year!

We are incredibly proud to announce Detective Miguel Barrera as the Los Banos Police Department’s Officer of the Year!

From being a skilled investigator to serving as POA President, Rangemaster, Taser Instructor, and Defensive Tactics Instructor, his work ethic is unmatched. He also volunteers his time to guide the next generation as our Police Explorer Advisor.

Thank you for your tireless service to the Los Banos community, Detective Barrera! Help us celebrate him in the comments!

Honoring Retired Police Chief William St. Marie Today the Los Banos Police Department was honored to participate in the ...
05/15/2026

Honoring Retired Police Chief William St. Marie

Today the Los Banos Police Department was honored to participate in the funeral services of Retired Los Banos Police Chief William St. Marie.

Chief St. Marie was hired by the City of Los Banos in 1966, and served as the Department’s 7th Police Chief from July 1, 1989, until he retired on September 30, 1993. Prior to working for the City of Los Banos, Chief St. Marie served in the United States Air Force.

Chief St. Marie was escorted by the Los Banos Police Department to his final resting place at the San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery in Santa Nella, California.

On behalf of the entire Los Banos Police Department family, we honor Chief St. Marie for his service to our community, his service to our country, and his friendship.

https://www.whitehurstfunerals.com/obituary/668369/william--raymond-st.-marie/

Missing Person InvestigationThe Los Banos Police Department is asking for the public’s assistance in locating 21-year-ol...
05/15/2026

Missing Person Investigation

The Los Banos Police Department is asking for the public’s assistance in locating 21-year-old Luis Zamora Alvarez, who has not been seen or heard from since approximately midnight on May 9, 2026.

Earlier that evening, members of the Los Banos Police Department served a search warrant at Luis’ residence as part of an ongoing criminal investigation. During the investigation, detectives developed probable cause linking Alvarez for violations of California Penal Code sections 311.11 and 311.11(c)(1), related to the possession of child sexual abuse material.

Several hours after the search warrant was served, Luis was reported missing and has not been seen nor has he contacted family members. Due to the unusual circumstances and lack of communication, family members and investigators are concerned for his welfare.

Since law enforcement was made aware that Luis had left his residence and was reported missing, investigators have been working diligently, including following up on all leads to locate him in an effort to ensure his safety and well-being.

Anyone with information regarding Luis’ whereabouts is encouraged to contact the Los Banos Police Department at (209) 827-7070. Information may also be provided anonymously through Merced Area Crime Stoppers.

Luis, please call your parents, they are worried about you. Despite anything pending, your family is worried about you; Please reach out to them.

Gang Unit Arrests Wanted Person with Firearm On May 13, 2026 at about 5:24 p.m., the LBPD Gang Unit was patrolling the a...
05/14/2026

Gang Unit Arrests Wanted Person with Firearm

On May 13, 2026 at about 5:24 p.m., the LBPD Gang Unit was patrolling the area of 3rd St. and H St. They encountered 22-year-old David Medina of Los Banos who had an active felony arrest warrant for burglary.

Upon seeing the police vehicle, Medina fled the area on a bicycle, and as Medina fled, he threw a loaded firearm into the front yard of a residence in the 300 block of G St.

Medina eventually stopped and was taken into custody. Officers searched the flight path and located the firearm. Medina is a convicted felon and prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition. Medina was booked into the Los Banos Police Department Jail on multiple felony weapons charges and for the arrest warrant.

Medina remains in custody with a bail set at $265,000.00. If you have any information about this case, please contact Ofc. Fernandez at (209) 827-2538 or [email protected].

“Click It or Ticket” Campaign Reminds Californians to Always Buckle Up Seat Belt Safety Campaign Runs Through Memorial D...
05/12/2026

“Click It or Ticket” Campaign Reminds Californians to Always Buckle Up Seat Belt Safety Campaign Runs Through Memorial Day!

Los Banos, California – The Los Banos Police Department reminds travelers to always buckle up and secure children in the right car seats when visiting friends and family.

This year’s Click It or Ticket campaign runs from May 18 to 31. During this time, the Los Banos Police Department will have additional officers on patrol actively looking for drivers and passengers who are not wearing seat belts. This includes vehicles in which children are not secured in child safety seats or the appropriate safety seats for their age.

“Our priority is protecting the people in our community. Wearing a seat belt or properly securing children in car seats or a booster seat gives everyone a better chance of surviving a crash,” Sergeant Michael Neal said. “We want every trip – short or long – to end safely, so please buckle up, every time.”

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2023, 10,484 people killed in crashes in the U.S. were not wearing a seat belt. In California, there were 780 unrestrained people killed in crashes that same year, including 24 children. Additionally, unrestrained child fatalities in California increased by 4.3 percent from 2022 to 2023.

California law requires all children under 2 years old to ride in a rear-facing car seat, unless the child is 40 or more pounds or is 40 or more inches tall. Once a child reaches these milestones, all children under the age of 8 years are still required to be secured in a car seat or booster seat. Children under the age of 8 may not ride in the front seat unless the vehicle is not equipped with a rear, forward-facing seat. Children 8 and older, or who are at least 4 feet 9 inches tall, may be secured by a booster seat, but at a minimum must be wearing a properly fitted safety belt.

Parents and caregivers are encouraged to keep children in the proper rear or forward-facing seat as long as possible and use the “Five-Step Test” to determine if their child is big enough to safely use a seat belt without a booster seat.

Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Are you aware of the different types of e-bikes and the rules of the road? As e-bikes and e-scooters become more popular...
05/08/2026

Are you aware of the different types of e-bikes and the rules of the road?

As e-bikes and e-scooters become more popular in our community, it’s important for riders — and parents — to understand how to ride safely and legally.

California law classifies e-bikes into three different classes, each with specific speed limits and operating rules. Riders should always wear a helmet, follow traffic laws, ride responsibly, and know where e-bikes and e-scooters are permitted.

Please take a moment to review the attached safety information from the California Office of Traffic Safety and help keep our roads, bike lanes, and neighborhoods safe for everyone.

May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month!Los Banos, California — The Los Banos Police Department is reminding drivers to...
05/08/2026

May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month!

Los Banos, California — The Los Banos Police Department is reminding drivers to always look twice for motorcycles. With the arrival of warmer weather, more motorcycles are taking to the roads, making it essential for everyone to stay alert to help reduce crashes and save lives.

“Motorcyclists are out in greater numbers as the weather warms, and we’re reminding everyone to share the road, Sergeant Michael Neal said. “Most crashes involving motorcycles happen when drivers simply don’t see them. Taking a few extra seconds to look twice can prevent a tragedy.”

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were 6,335 motorcyclists killed in traffic crashes in the U.S. in 2023, representing 15 percent of total highway fatalities for that year. In California, 583 motorcyclists were killed in 2023.

To help protect you and your family, keep the following tips in mind while driving or riding:

Drivers
• Always check mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes.
• Do not follow a motorcycle too closely. Always keep a safe distance.
• If you see a motorcycle with a signal on, be careful. Be sure that the rider is turning before moving ahead.

Motorcyclists
• Always wear a U.S. DOT-compliant helmet with eye protection.
• Wear leather or other sturdy clothing such as a jacket, pants, boots with nonskid soles and gloves. Add reflective strips or decals to your clothing and motorcycle to make it easier for other drivers to see you.
• Ride defensively. Don’t assume a driver can see you. Avoid riding in a driver’s blind spot.
• Always keep your lights on, even during the day.

Lastly, both drivers and riders should never drive/ride distracted or under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

We are more than how we get there. Think of people outside the car who bike. When possible, move over a lane to pass bik...
05/06/2026

We are more than how we get there. Think of
people outside the car who bike. When possible,
move over a lane to pass bike riders or provide at
least three feet of space. Better to drive safe than
sorry.

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1111 G Street
Los Banos, CA
93635

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