Officers with the Merced Police Gang Violence Suppression Unit (GVSU) stopped a vehicle in the 1500 block of Sycamore Ave in Atwater, Thursday morning. The driver of the vehicle was identified as 37-year-old Miguel Guizar.

A search warrant was authored by Officer Lupian to search the vehicle and a nearby motel room where Guizar was staying. During the search officers located a rifle, over 1.5 pounds of marijuana, several grams of heroin and 13 ounces of crystal methamphetamine.

Guizar is a validated gang member in Merced County. Guizar was booked at Merced County Jail for possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, narcotics sales, and a gang enhancement.