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Police Bulletin

Three arrested in two drug-related incidents

Three men were arrested in separate incidents involving drug sales over the last week, according to police reports.

An employee of Rite Aid in the 2800 block of Hopyard Road was arrested at about 1 p.m. May 22 for embezzlement and burglary. Amado Merchan, 28, of Walnut Creek was stealing medications and selling them, according to a police report, which said he'd stolen more than $2,000 in prescription medicines over about six months.

Two Oakdale men were arrested after a registration check at the Shell station at 6750 Santa Rita Road on May 19 at about 11:30 p.m., a police report said. The check led to an outstanding misdemeanor warrant and a search of the suspect's car, where police found 45 grams of methamphetamine, a set of scales and plastic bags.

Car owner Russell Middleton, 38, was taken into custody on a parole violation and paraphernalia possession; Todd Skaggs, 41, was arrested for possession with intent to sell.

In other police reports:

* A May 19 traffic stop led to two misdemeanor charges against a 21-year-old Pleasanton man, who was arrested after a stop for an equipment violation for having a false tab on his license plate. A search turned up a switchblade knife and homemade fireworks -- three small bottles filled with gunpowder, that were found in the inside pocket of the driver's door. The stop took place at about 11:34 p.m. at the intersection of Stanley Boulevard and California Avenue.

* Police have an unnamed suspect in an embezzlement at a kiosk store at the Stoneridge Shopping Center reported at about 1:20 p.m. May 15. An employee at the store, called Get Cash for Gift Cards, was using a scam to pocket money from redeeming cards; more than $1,000 was stolen between April and May.

* More than $3,800 in property was stolen in a residential burglary in the 7600 block of Fairoaks Drive reported at about 3:06 p.m. May 21. Taken was a $1,000 laptop, 20 pairs of earrings valued at $1,000, an $800 men's wedding band, a $500 watch, a $200 jewelry box, a woman's gold chain worth $200, and $150 diamond stud earrings. The rear door of the home was pried open to provide access.

* Holly Kay Hollaway, 33, of Modesto was arrested at about 12:06 a.m. May 18 at the intersection of Bernal Avenue and Tawny Drive for possession of a non-narcotic controlled substance and possession of a prescription in another's name, both felonies.

Under the law, those arrested are considered innocent until convicted.