MERCED – A University of California Merced Police Officer was arrested Monday afternoon by detectives on several felony charges including domestic violence and stalking.
According to a Merced Police Department press release, Israel Garcia, 37, was arrested after the victim reported she was stalked and both physically and sexually assaulted. The victim, who remained unidentified, was said to be an ex-girlfriend of Garcia’s who ended their relationship last month. Garcia worked as a UC Merced Police Officer.
A GPS tracking device was located in the victim’s vehicle during the investigation according to the Merced Police Department. Investigators believe the device was placed in the victim’s vehicle by Garcia to track her whereabouts.
Garcia was booked into the Merced County Jail on charges including stalking, sexual penetration by force, spousal abuse, false imprisonment, and using an electronic tracking device without consent.
By Monday night, Garcia no longer appeared on the in-custody report for the Merced County Jail. His biography was also removed from the UC Merced website.
Authorities are asking anyone with information regarding this case to contact Detective Gorman at (209) 385-7715, or the Tip Line at (209) 385-4725 where callers can remain anonymous.
