The search for a Hilmar man wanted in connection with several thefts led to the arrest of four people by Merced County Sheriff’s deputies on a variety of stolen property and drug charges.

The sheriff’s department was looking for Michael Lewis Adams, 32, as a possible suspect in several burglaries in Stanislaus County. The deputies went to Adams’ residence in the 1900 block of August Avenue on the morning of Jan. 24. They didn’t find Adams, but they found two people hiding in the backyard. The individuals were identified as Brandon Ryan Loyd, 28, and Kristy Sheree Rickerson, 31.

Inside the home deputies found a stash of stolen documents, including Social Security numbers, identification cards, and passports, as well as a laptop that had been stolen from a Modesto school, according to the sheriff’s department.

A K9 also found Richard Nelson Adams, 52, in possession of a methamphetamine pipe inside the home.

At one point, Loyd tried to escape from the deputies, but stopped when he was told the K9 would be sent after him.

On Saturday the deputies returned to the home and found their original suspect, Michael Lewis Adams, at the residence. He was found in possession of more stolen property, including guns and ammunition, the sheriff’s department reported.