It’s been a busy month for Merced CHP officers. Here’s what they found
December is always a busy month for the California Highway Patrol in Merced, but this month has been especially industrious for officers.
Four times this month, officers have made traffic stops that resulted in getting guns off the streets:
- Last weekend, during a graveyard shift, a driver was pulled over in Winton and eventually arrested for driving under the influence. During a search of the vehicle, officers found a loaded handgun, a short-barreled rifle and high-capacity magazines loaded with 31 rounds. Both guns were unregistered, the CHP said in a Facebook post.
- On Dec. 15, the CHP reported stopping a speeding driver in Atwater. The driver was under 21 and smelled of marijuana, the CHP said. Officers searched the vehicle and found marijuana and two firearms. The driver was arrested.
- On Dec. 14, CHP officers stopped a vehicle for failing to make a complete stop at a stop sign. A spent shell casing was seen on the passenger floorboard. A search of the car found a loaded, unregistered firearm under the driver’s seat. An arrest was made.
- On Dec. 1, officers pulled over a driver who failed to stop at a posted sign. The driver had cannabis in the vehicle and was under 21. A firearm with the serial number removed was also located. The driver was arrested.
“Incidents like this highlight the realities officers encounter while working to keep the community safe,” the CHP said in the post.
Jim Silva
The Modesto Bee