Armed Felon Arrested

On January 10, 2022, at about 1:45 a.m., a Chico Police Officer was on patrol in the area of Otterson Drive and Hegan Lane. The Officer conducted a proactive enforcement stop of a passing motorist for a vehicle code violation. The Officer contacted the sole occupant of the vehicle, identified as Marvin Mercado. As the officer was approaching the vehicle Mercado threw a loaded magazine from a handgun out the passenger side window. Multiple Chico Police Officers responded to the scene and Mercado was detained without incident.

A search of the vehicle was conducted and a loaded Glock 19 handgun was located. A records check indicated the Glock 19 had been reported stolen from a vehicle in November, 2021. Further investigation revealed Mercado was a convicted felon and is prohibited from possessing a firearm and ammunition.

Mercado was arrested for violations of sections 29800(a)(1) PC-Felon in Possession of a Firearm, 30305(a)(1) PC-Felon in Possession of Ammunition, 496(a) PC, Possession of Stolen Property. Mercado was booked into the Butte County Jail.

Case Number: 22-00181
Location: Otterson Drive / Hegan Lane, Chico, CA
Victim: State of California
Suspect: Marvin Mercado
Supervisor: Sergeant Peter Durfee
Watch Commander: Lieutenant Omar Peña