LOS BANOS — A Merced County sheriff’s deputy arrested a 27‑year‑old man July 30 after finding a concealed loaded handgun during a patrol check near Creek Road and Cactus Drive, authorities said.

Deputy Norris was on patrol Thursday night when he saw two people standing next to a parked vehicle and believed they were drinking alcohol. During a pat‑down search of one of the individuals, the deputy found a concealed loaded firearm, according to the Sheriff’s Office.

The man, identified as Cesar Gomez of Los Banos, did not have a concealed‑carry permit, and the gun was not registered to him. Gomez was booked into the Merced County Jail on suspicion of carrying a concealed firearm without a permit, carrying a loaded firearm in a public place and possessing a loaded firearm not registered to the owner.

The case remains under investigation. Authorities urge residents to report suspicious activity or possible unlawful firearm possession by calling 911 in emergencies or the non‑emergency line at 209‑385‑7445.