Two arrested, firearm recovered after foot chase in Merced

Two men were arrested over the weekend after a traffic stop ended in a brief foot chase, the Merced Police Department said.

Clemmon High, 30, was the man identified as the driver of a vehicle that officers stopped around 1:46 a.m. Saturday in the area of West First Street and West Avenue. High, who remained in the car, was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of an alcoholic beverage and driving on a suspended license, police said in a news release.

The passenger, Gilbert Ruiz, 31, allegedly ran from the vehicle. Officers chased him for a short time, tracking him to the area of Margaret Sheehy Elementary School in the 1200 block of West Sixth Street. Police, during the foot chase, found a loaded .44-caliber revolver they said Ruiz was carrying during the traffic stop.

Ruiz was arrested on suspicion of carrying a loaded firearm, being an ex-felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, obstructing police and street-gang allegations, police said.

Anyone with information on this incident can contact Sgt. Robert Solis at (209) 385-4703 or the Tipline at (209) 385-4725. Tips are confidential and callers may remain anonymous.

This story was originally published March 8, 2015 at 11:59 AM with the headline "Two arrested, firearm recovered after foot chase in Merced."