Four gang members arrested after a gun was found during Merced traffic stop, police say

Four people police say are gang members were arrested Friday during a traffic stop in Merced after officers found a firearm, according to authorities.

Around 12:10 a.m., officers pulled over a Volkswagen Jetta with license plates belonging to a Dodge truck in the 1300 block of Canal Street, according to police. During the stop, officers found the vehicle to be occupied by Desiderio Baca, 21, Felipe Quintero, 20, Armando Ortiz, 19, and a 16-year-old, according to a Merced Police Department news release.

Police said two of the vehicle’s occupants were on probation and subject to search and seizure. During a search of the vehicle, a 9 mm semi-automatic firearm was found by officers behind the passenger seat.

Baca, Quintero and Ortiz were arrested and booked into Merced County Jail on suspicion of several felony charges, including carrying a loaded firearm, participation in criminal street gang activity, possession of ammunition by a prohibited person and specific conviction or outstanding warrants, according to jail records.

The 16-year-old was arrested and booked into the Iris Garrett Juvenile Justice Correctional Complex, according to authorities.

Merced police ask anyone with information regarding this alleged crime to contact Officer Centeno at 209-388-7742 of by email at centenoa@cityofmerced.org.

Anonymous crime tips can be left by calling police at 209-385-4725 or by contacting the Merced Area Crime Stoppers. Crimes can also be reported through the Merced Police Department website.