MADERA - Over the last two weeks the Madera Police Department with the department's Special Investigations Unit and Detective Unit have been hard at work.Weapons and drugs have been removed from the street to make Madera a safer city to live in. Below are a few notable arrests, which have undoubtedly made a positive impact within our community.

On 7/7/22, Officer Gibbs worked an investigation which led to the arrest of Elijah withrewington for drug sales. During the investigation, Xanax, Adderall, cocaine and over $9000.00 were seized.

On 7/7/22, Officer Santoyo worked an investigation which led to the arrest of Douglas McKenzie for drug sales. During the investigation, over 11 ounces of methamphetamine, an unregistered 9mm handgun, a stolen handgun and an unregistered AR style assault rifle were seized.

On 7/13/22, Officer Fadley worked an investigation, 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.

On 7/13/22, Deputy Probation Officer Aganza (SIU) began an investigation, which led to the service of a search warrant in the area of Story Rd. and SR145. During the search, 3 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 Monday evening. That investigation led to identifying a suspect as Dylan Banda. Detectives also investigated a shooting into an inhabited dwelling that occurred on Tuesday evening. That investigation also pointed to Dylan as the suspect. Detectives later interviewed Dylan and gained a confession from Dylan for both crimes. A search warrant was later served, which led to the seizure of the firearm used in both crimes. Dylan was booked at MCJ on various felony charges related to these cases.