Suspected gang member arrested after guns, armored vest found in Merced home, police say

A man suspected of being a gang member was arrested Thursday, after authorities located several firearms and an armored vest inside a home, according to a Merced Police Department social media post.

At about 9:45 a.m., Merced Police Department Gang Violence Suppression Unit officers served a search warrant at the home of suspected gang member Vincent Thomas, 31, in the 100 block of Buena Vista Avenue.

Authorities said the warrant was served as officers followed up on information regarding Thomas possessing illegal firearms. According to police, Thomas is known gang member. During a search of the residence, officers located multiple handguns, an AR-15 style rifle, narcotics, ammunition and a bulletproof vest, according to the police.

Thomas was arrested and booked into Merced County Jail on suspicion of being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm, ammunition and an armored vest, authorities said.

Anyone with information regarding the alleged crime is asked to contact Office Saldivar at 209-388-7735 or by email at saldivarj@cityofmerced.org.

Anonymous tips can be submitted to police by calling 209-385-4725 and some crimes can be reported through the Merced Police Department website.

Tips can also be submitted anonymously to law enforcement through the Merced Area Crime Stoppers website.