Felon arrested for outstanding warrants, possession of firearm, police say

A man wanted on an outstanding felony warrant has been arrested after officers located a firearm, according to authorities.

At 1:29 p.m. Tuesday, Merced Police Department DART officers served a search warrant in the 1100 block of Evening Star Drive, according to a news release. There, officers located Elijia Orabuena, 27. Police say the outstanding felony warrant was related to allegations of criminal threats and assault with a deadly weapon.

Officers said they also located a Smith and Wesson .38 caliber handgun inside the residence. Police said the firearm, which was not locked or properly secured, was found inside a bedroom where a toddler was sleeping and could have easily reached it.

According to Merced County Jail records, Orabuena was booked on suspicion of felony felon in possession of a firearm, criminal threats and assault with a deadly weapon as well as a misdemeanor vandalism and marijuana charge.

Merced Police ask anyone with information regarding the alleged crime to contact Sgt. Solis at 209-385-4703 or by email at solisl@cityofmerced.org.