Suspected teenage gang member arrested with gun at Merced motel, police say

A teenager was arrested Saturday, after officers located a gun in a motel room, according to authorities.

At about 11:11 a.m., a Merced Police Department Gang Violence Suppression Unit officer made contact with 19-year-old Andrew Morgan at Motel 6 on East Childs Avenue, according to Merced Police Department news release.

According to police, the officer recognized Morgan from previous contacts and knew him to be on probation in Merced County as well as validated gang member.

During an investigation, police said the officer located a semi-automatic handgun and a high capacity magazine. According to authorities, due to the terms of his probation and his previous criminal history, Morgan is prohibited from possessing firearms.

Morgan was booked into Merced County Jail on suspicion of being a felon in possession of a firearm, being a person prohibited from possessing firearm or ammunition, participation in criminal street gang activity and violation of probation, according to jail records.

Merced police ask anyone with information regarding the alleged crime to contact Officer Barajas at 209-388-7814 or by email at barajasj@cityofmerced.org.

This story was originally published September 28, 2020 at 7:07 PM.