Traffic stop leads to gun arrest

The driver of a car was arrested on several weapons charges Thursday night, the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office reported.

At approximately 10:05 p.m. Thursday, deputies conducted a traffic stop on Road 236, north of Avenue 56, in Ducor.

During the traffic stop, deputies conducted a records check of the driver.

The Tulare County Sheriff’s Office dispatch confirmed that the driver had an active misdemeanor warrant out of Tulare County with a bail amount of $60,000. Deputies then arrested the driver and conducted an inventory search of the driver’s vehicle incident to arrest.

Deputies located what appeared to be a loaded .357 Smith and Wesson Revolver underneath the driver’s seat of the vehicle. After securing the revolver, deputies located what appeared to be a Yugo 7.62x39 SKS Rifle and a 30-round large capacity magazine in the trunk of the vehicle.

Upon further inspection of the SKS rifle, deputies observed the serial number of the rifle to be removed with some sort of tool.

The driver was arrested on suspicion of having a 30-round, large-capacity magazine, carrying a concealed firearm in a vehicle, carrying a loaded firearm in a public place, removing the identification markings from a firearm and possession of an SKS rifle.

Anyone with information is encouraged to call the Tulare County Sheriff’s Department at 7336218 or send anonymous information by sending a text or email to TCSO@ tipnow.com or call 7254194.