Merced County gang member arrested in Atwater with possession of a firearm

A man described by police as a known Merced County gang member was arrested for possessing a firearm early Friday morning in Atwater, investigators said.

Officers were called to investigate a suspicious vehicle in the area of El Rodebaugh and Avenue Two in Atwater at 4:03 a.m. and found Luis Castro, 37, inside the vehicle.

The officer learned that Castro is a known gang member from the Livingston area, police said in a statement.

A .40 caliber Smith & Wesson handgun was found inside the vehicle.

According to police, Castro was arrested and booked in the Merced County Jail on suspicion of being a felon in possession of a firearm, carrying a loaded firearm and carrying a concealed weapon inside a vehicle.

This story was originally published April 6, 2019 at 7:21 PM.