On October 25th, 2019, at approximately 11:29 a.m., Merced Police Department Officers conducted a traffic stop in the 3100 blk of “R” St. for a speeding violation.

The driver of the vehicle was identified as Ryan Abarca. Abarca was found to be driving on a suspended driver’s license and his vehicle was impounded.

Officers inventoried the vehicle and located a loaded firearm and two high capacity magazines.

Abarca immediately took off running from the scene and he was apprehended a short distance away.

Abarca was arrested and booked at the Merced County jail for felon in possession of firearm, prohibited person in possession of a firearm, carrying a concealed firearm in a vehicle, possession of a high capacity magazines and resisting, delaying and obstructing arrest.

Merced Police are asking anyone with any information regarding this crime to contact the Merced Police Department at (209) 385-6912 or the Merced Police Department Tipster Line at (209) 385-4725.

The public can send information via anonymous text messages to police department by dialing “TIP411” (847411) and including the word “Comvip” as the “keyword” in the text message.