Traffic Stop for DUI Investigation Leads to Arrest of Passenger for Weapon Charge

At about 1:50 am Sunday morning, a Turlock Police officer near the intersection of A Street and S Broadway, Turlock, observed a vehicle violate the California Vehicle Code, so he made a traffic stop on it.

The officer made contact with and identified the vehicle’s driver and four passengers, including passenger Jovanny Alvarez, 24, of Merced.

While the officer who made the stop was busy conducting a driving under the influence investigation with the driver of the vehicle, another officer who was speaking with the passengers was informed that there was a firearm present within the vehicle.

All four passengers were removed from the vehicle and a search was conducted which led to the discovery of a loaded Glock 22 .40 caliber in the back seat.

During the course of the investigation, officers determined that the firearm belonged to Alvarez, however, he did not not have a concealed weapons permit.

Alvarez was arrested and booked into the Stanislaus County Public Safety Center on charges of carrying a loaded firearm.

The driver of the vehicle was determined to not be under the influence and was released along with his other three passengers.