The Merced Police Department gang unit arrested a gang member for being in possession of narcotics and a firearm.

At around 10:07 a.m. this morning, Officers responded to the 2800 block of Oleander Avenue to attempt to locate 38-year-old Richard Thomas.

Thomas was wanted on a local felony warrant. Thomas was arrested at the location for his warrant.

Thomas is a validated gang member and on active parole. Officers searched the residence and located narcotics and a loaded 9mm semi-automatic handgun inside a vehicle parked in his driveway.

Thomas is prohibited from possessing any firearms due to his previous criminal history. Thomas was booked at Merced County Jail for possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, possession of narcotics, local warrants and gang enhancements.

Merced Police are asking anyone with any information regarding this crime to contact Officer Barajas at 209-388-7814 or by email at Barajasj@cityofmerced.org.