A man has been arrested in connection with several vehicle thefts and burglaries in the North County.
On January 30, 2026, deputies from the San Marcos Sheriff’s Station received a radio call regarding a stolen motorcycle being tracked by the victim to a residential property in San Marcos.
During the preliminary investigation, deputies learned the victim’s motorcycle was stolen the prior evening from his home in Escondido. The victim’s motorcycle, along with another stolen motorcycle, were recovered from the San Marcos location during the preliminary investigation.
Detectives identified Melchor Mercado (DOB: 04/26/1982) as the suspect associated with the stolen motorcycles.
During the following weeks, detectives linked Mercado to several other crimes including an additional stolen motorcycle from Vista, as well as a stolen vehicle and commercial burglary in San Marcos. He was also linked to a residential burglary in Valley Center in January 2026.
On Thursday, March 19, detectives arrested Mercado in Escondido and conducted a search of his home, pursuant to the terms of his court-ordered probation. Detectives say evidence was located linking Mercado to the crimes being investigated.
Mercado was arrested on charges of auto-theft/possession of a stolen vehicle and commercial burglary. He was booked into the Vista Detention Facility and remains in-custody on $165,000 bail.
The investigation is ongoing.
