Convicted felon and suspected gang member arrested with gun in Merced, police say

A man suspected of being a gang member has been arrested after officers found him with a handgun, authorities say.

Luke Roberts, 21, was arrested by Merced Gang Violence Suppression Unit officers after making contact with him in the 300 block of Parsons Avenue on Saturday at about 7:44 p.m., according to a Merced Police Department news release.

Police said officers searched Roberts and found a loaded Masterpiece Arms, Defender 9mm handgun. According to authorities, Roberts is a convicted felon and prohibited from possessing a firearm. Police also said Roberts is a validated gang member and on probation.

Robert was booked into the Merced County Jail on suspicion of felon in possession of a firearm, felon in possession of ammunition and a gang enhancement, according to police.

Merced police ask anyone with information regarding this crime to contact the Merced Police Department at 209-385-6912 or the Merced Police Department Tipster line at 209-385-4725. The public can send information via anonymous text message to police by dialing “TIP411” (847411) and include the word “Comvip” as the “keyword” in the text message.

This story was originally published February 11, 2020 at 10:04 AM.