Crime

Man and woman arrested after loaded gun found in vehicle, Los Banos police say

A man and woman, both residents of Los Banos, were arrested on Tuesday, after police found a loaded firearm inside the vehicle they were in, during an investigation in the area of Ward Road and Pacheco Boulevard, according to the Los Banos Police Department. Police said both suspects are prohibited from possessing firearms. Image courtesy of Los Banos Police Department.
A man and woman, both residents of Los Banos, were arrested on Tuesday, after police found a loaded firearm inside the vehicle they were in, during an investigation in the area of Ward Road and Pacheco Boulevard, according to the Los Banos Police Department. Police said both suspects are prohibited from possessing firearms. Image courtesy of Los Banos Police Department. Andrew Kuhn akuhn@mercedsun-star.com

Two Los Banos residents were arrested after they were found with a concealed firearm, according to authorities.

Gang unit officers and detectives served a search warrant at an apartment in the 2100 block of Gilbert Gonzalez Jr. Drive on Tuesday, according to the Los Banos Police Department. Authorities said officers stopped a vehicle related to the investigation in the area of Ward Road and Pacheco Boulevard.

Officers searched the vehicle and located a concealed, loaded handgun. The vehicle’s occupants, identified as Ricardo Esquivel, 37, and Sophia Torres, 23, both of Los Banos, are prohibited from owning or possessing firearms, according to a Los Banos Police Department news release.

Esquivel was arrested and booked into the Los Banos Police Department Jail on suspicion of charges including felon in possession of a firearm, carrying a loaded firearm, carrying a concealed weapon, possession of ammunition by a prohibited person and outstanding warrants, according to jail records.

Torres was arrested and booked into the Los Banos Police Department Jail on suspicion of charges including carrying a loaded firearm, carrying a concealed weapon, possession of ammunition by a prohibited person, according to jail records.

Anonymous crime tips can be left for police by calling 209-827-2545 or by accessing the Los Banos Police Department’s website and click on “report graffiti and other crime” according to police.

Tips can also be left by contacting the Merced Area Crime Stoppers online or at 855-725-2420.

AK
Andrew Kuhn
Merced Sun-Star
209-385-2461
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