The Merced Police Department says they arrested a 19-year-old and booked two juveniles to the Merced County Juvenile Hall.

Officers with the Merced Police Gang Violence Suppression Unit (GVSU) contacted a group of known gang members at Joe Herb Park.

Officers located a 9mm semi-auto handgun inside a vehicle associated to the suspect, 19-year-old Gabriel Castillo, according to Merced Police.

Castillo and the two male juveniles are validated gang members. Castillo was booked at Merced County Jail for possession of a firearm by a prohibited person and gang enhancements.

Both juveniles were booked at the Merced County Juvenile Hall for the same charges.

Merced Police are asking anyone with any information regarding this crime to contact Officer Odom at (209) 388-7814.