Merced Co gang member speaking with deputy when he dropped a stolen gun, deputies say

A Planada man was arrested this week after a handgun fell out of his sweatshirt in front of a deputy, the Merced County Sheriff’s Office said Thursday.

A deputy stopped 21-year-old Andres Lopez Romero in an alley behind the 400 block of Carson Street in Planada about 10:26 p.m. Tuesday, because he was riding his bicycle without a light, according to Deputy Daryl Allen.

Deputy Chris Chilton, who stopped Lopez Romero, was using a flashlight while speaking to the Planada man, according to a news release. At one point, Lopez Romero turned and a loaded .40 caliber Smith and Wesson handgun fell out of his “large bulky hooded sweater,” the release said.

The deputy then attempted to take the man into custody and a struggle ensued, according to the Sheriff’s Office. He was ultimately arrested.

Deputies confirmed the handgun had been reported stolen in Sacramento, according to the release.

Lopez Romero was booked into the Merced County Jail on suspicion of being in a gang, interfering with police work and other crimes. He’s held in lieu of $156,554 bail, according to jail records.