Meth, handgun found during Los Banos traffic stop

A 27-year-old man was arrested during a routine vehicle stop in Los Banos on Sunday after a Merced County sheriff's deputy reported finding a handgun and methamphetamine in his car.

Michael Fournier of Los Banos was arrested on suspicion of carrying a concealed weapon in a vehicle and possession for sale of methamphetamine,

The incident happened around 1:40 a.m. after Deputy Steve Bassi was on patrol and saw the suspect's blue Ford Thunderbird with a tail light out, according to Deputy Tom MacKenzie, sheriff's spokesman.

The deputy stopped the car on Pacheco Boulevard and spoke with Fournier, discovering he was driving without a license. Fournier was then placed under arrest for driving without a license.

After a search of his vehicle, the deputy found an unloaded revolver under the front seat, drug paraphernalia and baggies containing about 7 grams of meth.

Fournier denied ownership of the items, MacKenzie said. He's being held in lieu of $15,000 bail.

-- Victor A. Patton