Driver and juvenile gang members arrested on drug and weapons charges, police say

An 18-year-old driver and a juvenile passenger were arrested on drug and weapons charges, after trying to run from police during a traffic stop, according to authorities.

At about 1 p.m. Monday, a Merced police officer attempted a vehicle stop on a silver Buick in the 700 block of West 4th Street, according to police.

During the stop, police said the vehicle briefly pulled over several times before continuing and did not completely yield to the officer.

After turning onto 5th Street, the right front juvenile passenger exited the vehicle and fled on foot. As the juvenile exited the vehicle, a semi-automatic handgun fell from the suspect’s waistband, police said.

The driver of the vehicle, identified as Karl Rogers, 18, also fled on foot but was immediately apprehended by the officer and the firearm was secured, according police.

Police said officers set up a perimeter around the block and apprehended the passenger.

According to police, both Rogers and the juvenile are validated gang members. Officers searched the vehicle and located marijuana packaged for sale as well as multiple cell phones.

The passenger was arrested and booked into juvenile hall and Rogers was booked into the Merced County Jail on suspicion of various narcotics and weapons charges including gang enhancements, according to police.

Police ask anyone with information regarding this alleged crime to contact the Merced Police Department Tipster Line at 209-385-4725.

This story was originally published June 16, 2020 at 1:04 PM.