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Suspected drug dealer caught near food trucks in Turlock
Anthony Ebaniz
Anthony Ebaniz

A caller reporting suspected drug sales near a row of taco trucks in Turlock led to the arrest of a suspect wanted by the U.S. Marshal’s Office and the recovery of a loaded handgun.

Around 11 a.m. Sunday the Turlock Police Department received a report of a person suspected of selling narcotics in the 1000 block of East Avenue, near the row of taco trucks. The caller stated vehicles would pull up alongside the man and then leave shortly thereafter, said Turlock Police spokesman Sgt. Russ Holeman.

Officers responded to the area and made contact with a man that matched the description provided by the caller. The man, later identified as Anthony Ebaniz, 38, was speaking with officers when he suddenly decided to take off running, Holeman said.

The officers gave chase and caught up to Ebaniz quickly. He was placed in handcuffs and taken into custody. Once in custody and his identity verified, officers learned he had an outstanding warrant for his arrest from the U.S. Marshall’s Office.

A search of the area turned up a loaded Bersa semi-automatic .380. It’s unknown at this time if the weapon was lost or stolen.

Police officers also found cash and a large quantity of heroin and methamphetamine, as well as packaging and a scale.

Ebaniz was booked into Stanislaus County Jail for being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammo, resisting arrest and possession of a narcotic with intent to sell, among other charges and the warrants.