A suspect was arrested for battery of a police officer Friday morning after it was reported that he was in possession of a handgun that turned out to be a toy.

Turlock police received a report of a suspicious person, possibly with a firearm, in the 600 block C Street shortly after 9 a.m. Friday.

According to Turlock police spokesperson Sgt. Stephen Webb, the suspect was panhandling in a parking lot when the reporting party called police.

When the officer arrived, he saw what appeared to be the grip of a handgun sticking out of the suspect’s back pocket, said Webb.

The officer gave the suspect commands, but he refused to comply and a struggle ensued between the officer and suspect, said Webb.

Ultimately, officers were able to gain control of the suspect, but had to place him in a restraint device as he continued to be combative, said Webb.

Officers found that the gun was a plastic toy and the suspect did not point it at anyone or threaten the officer with it, said Webb.

Jose Pacheco, 21, was arrested for battery of a peace officer and resisting arrest.