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!"

09/04/2026

Drive Safe Los Banos!

As we head into the weekend, the Los Banos Police Department and our partners at the California Highway Patrol want to remind everyone to slow down, buckle up, and make safe decisions behind the wheel.

Have fun, enjoy your weekend, and most importantly- get home safe.

Thank You Beverage House Our staff was provided a nice hot meal from the team at the Beverage House. Thanks for thinking...
09/03/2026

Thank You Beverage House

Our staff was provided a nice hot meal from the team at the Beverage House. Thanks for thinking of the staff here at LBPD!

Protecting Pedestrians: California Urges Drivers to Stay Alert This September Los Banos, Calif. – September is Pedestria...
09/03/2026

Protecting Pedestrians: California Urges Drivers to Stay Alert This September

Los Banos, Calif. – September is Pedestrian Safety Month in California. The Los Banos Police Department would like to remind drivers to slow down and be alert for people walking on our roads. By always taking extra precautions, you can help protect pedestrians and reduce the risk of crashes and injuries. Walking should always be an easy and safe option for getting around any community.

In California alone, 1,090 people were struck and killed while walking in 2024, which accounted for 28% of all traffic fatalities.

“Everyone, regardless of how they travel, deserves to arrive at their destination safely," Sgt. Michael Neal said. "Drivers play a critical role in keeping people walking safe. By staying focused and slowing down, especially in areas where there are more people walking, we can help prevent crashes and put safety first on every trip.”

Pedestrians do not have the same protections as drivers and passengers. It’s important to slow down and follow the speed limit while driving. Speed increases increase the severity and impact to someone walking and hit in a crash.

To promote the safety of people walking, the Los Banos Police Department will conduct traffic safety operations during the month of September focused on the most dangerous driver behaviors that put the safety of pedestrians at risk. These violations include speeding, making illegal turns, failing to yield and running stop signs or signals.

The Los Banos Police Department offers safe driving and walking tips when behind the wheel or walking:

Drivers
· Know and follow the speed limit.
· Slow down at intersections. Be prepared to stop for people walking at marked and unmarked crosswalks.
· Never drive impaired.
· Avoid distractions such as using a mobile device, deep conversations with passengers or eating while driving. Keep your focus on the road.
· Be extra cautious at night or when driving conditions are less than optimal such as in rainy or foggy weather.

Pedestrians
• When available, use marked crosswalks at signals where drivers anticipate foot traffic.
• Always walk on the sidewalk. If there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic.
• Look both ways and make eye contact with drivers before crossing the street.
• Be visible at night – consider wearing bright colors, reflective material or using a flashlight.
• Don’t wear headphones or talk on the phone while crossing the street.

Visit www.gosafelyca.org for more traffic safety information.

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

Gang Unit Makes High-Speed Pursuit Arrest On August 28, 2026 at about 7:33 p.m., the Gang Unit located 31-year-old Vance...
08/29/2026

Gang Unit Makes High-Speed Pursuit Arrest

On August 28, 2026 at about 7:33 p.m., the Gang Unit located 31-year-old Vance Beltran of Los Banos traveling in a vehicle at Pacheco Blvd. and I St. Beltran was wanted on an active Merced Co. felony arrest warrant.

The Gang Unit attempted to conduct a vehicle stop, but Beltran refused to stop leading the officers on a high-speed pursuit. The pursuit was discontinued for safety reasons as Beltran was driving recklessly on Pacheco Blvd. A be-on-the-lookout was broadcasted to other officers and nearby agencies.

Deputy Norris with the Merced Co. Sheriff’s Office located Beltran traveling south on Center Ave. out into the county area. The Merced Co. Sheriff’s Office also discontinued the pursuit for safety reasons as well.

Officers from the Los Banos Police Department located the suspect vehicle, which had become disabled, on the Delta Mendota Canal near Almond and Ortigalita. Beltran had fled on foot into a nearby orchard. Officers and deputies were able to establish a perimeter. The Merced Co. Sheriff’s Office deployed their K-9 and helicopter. After a few minutes of searching, Beltran emerged from the Orchard and surrendered to officers.

Beltran was placed under arrest pursuant to the active felony arrest warrant and for two counts of felony vehicle pursuit. Beltran was booked into the Los Banos City Jail. Beltran is ineligible for bail due to his arrest warrant.

The Los Banos Police Department would like to thank the Merced County Sheriff's Department for their assistance. If anyone has information regarding this case, please contact Ofc. Laguna at (209) 827-2512 or at [email protected].

Promotion Ceremony and Swearing-in for Two new LBPD Officers! Please join us in congratulating: Sergeant Stephen O’Day, ...
08/25/2026

Promotion Ceremony and Swearing-in for Two new LBPD Officers!

Please join us in congratulating:

Sergeant Stephen O’Day, Officer Mitchel King and Officer Cesar Grajeda

We are excited to welcome them to our team as they begin their careers serving and protecting the Los Banos community.

We look forward to the positive impact they will make in our community, and wish them continued success.

08/21/2026

Traffic Alert Update

The downed line at Pacheco at Center has been cleared, both lanes of eastbound traffic are now open, and the traffic flow has resumed as normal.

Thank you for your patience as this hazard was cleared.

Traffic AlertThe Police Department has the #2 eastbound lane of Pacheco Blvd. (SR152) closed at Center Ln. for a downed...
08/21/2026

Traffic Alert

The Police Department has the #2 eastbound lane of Pacheco Blvd. (SR152) closed at Center Ln. for a downed power line. The #1 eastbound lane is open and both westbound lanes are unaffected.

Please drive carefully if passing through town, and use an alternate route if possible.

08/20/2026

Public Meeting Notice: AB 481 Discussion

The Los Banos Police Department invites our community to a public meeting to discuss Assembly Bill 481 (AB 481) and our military equipment funding, acquisition, and use policy.

We want to answer your questions and hear your feedback.

• Date: August 21, 2026
• Time: 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM
• Location: Los Banos Police Department (Training Room) , 1111 G St, Los Banos, CA

What is AB 481?

• State law requires Law Enforcement agencies to obtain approval from the City Council for specific equipment.
• It ensures transparency, oversight, and accountability.

We look forward to seeing you there!

08/19/2026

Safe Drives Save Lives: Make the End of Summer Memorable

Los Banos, Calif. – Before the summer season winds down, the Los Banos Police Department wants everyone to kick off their Labor Day festivities with safety at the forefront. Make the decision that saves lives. Choose safety every time you get behind the wheel and never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

To help keep our community safe, the Los Banos Police Department will have additional officers on patrol Aug. 19 through Labor Day (Sept. 1) looking for drivers suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. The additional efforts to prevent impaired driving are part of a national enforcement campaign, Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.

“Enjoying the last days of summer should be all about fun and that starts with making safe choices before making plans,” Sgt. Michael Neal said. “Everyone deserves to get home safely, and it starts with your everyday actions.”

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 11,904 people were killed in drunk-driving crashes in the U.S. in 2024 — that’s one person every 44 minutes.

The Los Banos Police Department offers the following tips to Go Safely:

• Plan Ahead: If you know you’ll be drinking, arrange for a designated sober driver, call a ride-sharing service, taxi or use public transportation.
• Buckle Up: Wearing a seatbelt is one of the simplest ways to protect yourself in the event of a crash.
• Stay Alert: Avoid distractions such as texting or eating while driving. Keep your focus on the road.
• Follow Speed Limits: Speeding reduces your reaction time and increases the severity of crashes.
• Watch for Pedestrians and Bicyclists: With more people enjoying outdoor activities, be extra vigilant and look out for people biking and walking.
• Take Breaks: If you’re traveling long distances, take regular breaks to rest and avoid fatigue.

While drunk driving is a significant traffic safety problem, driving while impaired is not just from alcohol. Prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications and cannabis products may also impair. If you plan on drinking or taking medications with a driving warning label, let someone who is sober drive. If you see someone who appears to be driving while impaired, call 9-1-1.

Visit www.gosafelyca.org for more traffic safety information.

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

Arrest Made in Early Morning Homicide. On August 16, 2026 at 0011 hours, officers were dispatched to a residence in the ...
08/16/2026

Arrest Made in Early Morning Homicide.

On August 16, 2026 at 0011 hours, officers were dispatched to a residence in the 2000 block of Edward Street in the City of Los Banos after receiving a 911 call.

Officers arrived and located an adult female suffering from a gunshot wound; officers attempted to render aid, however, the female was pronounced deceased. Officers contacted an adult male subject at the residence identified as Joseph Swanson (37). After an investigation, Swanson was taken into custody for homicide.

The firearm involved in this case was recovered on scene. This case is not gang related and appears to be an incident related to domestic violence. At this time no further information will be released: the identity of the victim will be released by the Merced County Coroner's Office pending notification of the victim's next of kin.

Anyone with information related to this incident is asked to contact Detective Darren Cole at (209) 827-7070.

Address

1111 G Street
Los Banos, CA
93635

Telephone

+12098277070

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