The Merced police department says they arrested a gang member who was in possession of a loaded handgun.

Officers contacted 21-year-old Joel Lopez at his apartment in the 1100 block of Loughborough Drive at around 7:00 Thursday night.

Lopez is a validated local gang member which makes it illegal for him to be in possession of any firearms or ammunition, the Merced Police Department said.

Lopez was booked at Merced County Jail for possession of a firearm by a prohibited person and possession of ammunition by a prohibited person.