Amador County – Ione Police Department followed a “trail of destruction and chaos” from a domestic-related assault case last weekend, which ended in the arrest of an Ione man for felony assault and vandalism.

About 11 p.m. Saturday, Ione Police responded to Welch Lane where “a man was struck by a vehicle,” IPD Chief Michael L. Johnson said. Officers found a “Ford Excursion SUV embedded in a garage-shop structure” in a residential area.

An man nearby suffered a leg injury from the vehicle. Johnson said “it was determined the vehicle had been used as a weapon of assault.” The driver of the vehicle, identified as Frank Mercado, 40, of Ione, “had fled the scene on foot,” last seen “headed into the nearby creek area. Officers were familiar with Mercado as they had several incidents involving Mercado and escalating incidents involving family matters over the past week.”

Amador County Sheriff, California Highway Patrol and Jackson and Sutter Creek police personnel responded to a call to assist with the search for Mercado. “A perimeter was established and canine units were deployed.” A CHP helicopter also assisted.

Ione Police used the “reverse 911 system” to alert Ione residents of the situation for their safety and to solicit additional information.

After several hours, officers were unable to locate Mercado. IPD “pursued investigative leads and eventually developed information of Mercado’s whereabouts.”

At about 1 a.m. Sunday, IPD obtained a warrant for the arrest of Mercado, and served it at a residence in Rancho Murrieta, assisted by Sacramento Sheriff’s deputies. Frank Mercado was taken into custody without incident and transported to Amador County Jail. Mercado was booked on felony assault and vandalism charges.

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