During the last two weeks, the Madera Police Department’s Special Investigations Unit and Detective Unit have been hard at work.
They have made a number of arrests, which have undoubtedly made a positive impact within our community.
The unit worked an investigation which led to the arrest of Elijah Brewington for drug sales on July 7. During the investigation, Xanax, Adderall, cocaine and over $9000.00 were seized.
Later that same day, the unit worked an investigation which led to the arrest of Douglas McKenzie for drug sales. During the investigation, more than 11 ounces of methamphetamine, an unregistered 9 mm handgun, a stolen handgun and an unregistered AR style assault rifle were seized.
The unit worked an investigation on July 13, which led to the arrest of Michael Gonzalez for drug sales. During the investigation 11.9 ounces of heroin, 13.5 ounces of methamphetamine, 3 ounces of fentanyl, Xanax, methadone, a 12 gauge shotgun and over $3000.00 were seized.
The Special Investigations Unit began an investigation, which led to the service of a search warrant in the area of Story Rd. and State Route 145. During the search, three unregistered 9mm handguns and high-capacity magazines were seized. Jaxziel Paz, Mario Lama, Angel Hernandez Melgar and two juveniles were arrested for related charges.
MPD’s Detective Division began working a violent assault incident that occurred on July 13. That investigation led to identifying a suspect as Dylan Banda.
Detectives also investigated a shooting into an inhabited dwelling that occurred the next evening. That investigation also pointed to Banda as the suspect. Detectives later interviewed Banda and gained a confession from him for both crimes. A search warrant was later served, which led to the seizure of the firearm used in both crimes. Banda was booked at Madera County Jail on various felony charges related to these cases.