Two men arrested on suspicion of weapon possession, police say

MERCED -- Two men were arrested and booked into the Merced County jail on suspicion of illegal possession of weapons last week, according to Merced police.

Police stopped 18-year-old Andy Vasquez on Main and I streets Saturday evening for allegedly riding his bike without lighting equipment, police said. After searching Vasquez, officers reported finding a loaded .38 caliber handgun concealed in his waistband area. Vasquez, who police say is a validated gang member, is on felony probation, according to Sgt. Scott Skinner.

On Thursday, officers searched the Merced apartment of known felon Donald Sargentini, 40, after receiving a tip. Police reported finding an unloaded .38 caliber handgun wrapped up in a shirt inside a back pack.

Sargentini and Vasquez remain at the Merced County jail in lieu of $125,000 and $60,000 bail respectively. According to police, it’s unclear if the two handguns were stolen and both cases are still under investigation.

-- Ramona Giwargis