UC Merced campus officer arrested for stalking and domestic violence, police say

MERCED, Calif. (KFSN) -- An officer with the UC Merced police department has been arrested on multiple felony charges.

Merced Police say an ex-girlfriend of Israel Garcia told authorities he was stalking her.

Authorities found a tracking device inside the woman's car and believe that Garcia put it there.

"The victim in the case came forward to the Merced Police Department to report that she was having issues with her ex-boyfriend, Israel Garcia," says Merced Police Lt. Joseph Perez.

The victim also told police he had physically and sexually assaulted her.

"We have zero tolerance for domestic violence," Perez said. "We know it's difficult to come forward and say, 'Hey, I'm a victim.' but we're here to take those investigations seriously."

Garcia left the Merced Police Department recently to work for UC Merced's police department.

He was booked into the Merced County Jail on multiple charges.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Merced Police Department.

If you are the victim of domestic abuse, or you know someone who is, there is help available 24/7. In Fresno County, call the Marjaree Mason Center at (559) 233-4357. In all other locations, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at (800) 799-7233.