On May 15th, 2020, at approximately 10:22 p.m., Officers with the Merced Police Gang Violence Suppression Unit (GVSU) stopped a vehicle for traffic violations in the 600 block of East Main Street.

The driver of the vehicle was identified as 21-year-old Samuel Kailes. Officers searched the vehicle and located a semi-automatic handgun.

Kailes was booked at Merced County Jail for possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, vehicle code violations, and gang enhancements.

Merced Police are asking anyone with any information regarding this crime to contact Officer Opinski at (209) 388-7846.