Deputy uses Taser on gang member

WINTON -- A 25-year-old validated gang member was Tasered by a Merced County sheriff's deputy Monday night after the suspect fled and resisted arrest, the sheriff's department reported.

Jose Saldana of Planada was arrested just before midnight in Winton after being stopped for loud music coming from his vehicle on Winton Way near Crawford Street, according to Deputy Tom MacKenzie, sheriff's spokesman.

While speaking with Saldana, Sgt. Rich Howard arrived on scene with his K-9, Castor. After a perimeter search of the vehicle, the dog sensed that illegal contraband was inside the car. When Deputy Dylan Buessing went to detain Saldana, he pulled away and refused to be handcuffed, MacKenzie said.

Saldana ran down Winton Way and was taken to the ground after a half-block foot pursuit. While on the ground, Saldana fought against Buessing, who removed the cartridge from the Taser and stunned the suspect. Saldana then complied with the deputy's commands and was taken into custody.

A search of Saldana's vehicle revealed a loaded .22 caliber semi-automatic pistol. Deputies also found empty baggies in the car that may have contained drugs at one time, MacKenzie said.

Saldana was booked into Merced County Jail on suspicion of possessing a concealed weapon, resisting arrest, being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm and participating in a criminal street gang. He remains on $72,000 bail.

-- Victor Patton