Man arrested on drug and gun charges

A routine traffic stop Saturday leads to arrest of Porterville man on slew of drug and firearm charges, the Porterville Police Department reported.

At approximately 5:10 p.m. on Saturday, an officer with the Porterville Police Department stopped a car in the 2000 block of West Morton Avenue for a traffic violation. The driver, Michael Chavez, 39, was quickly determined to be on active Post Release Community Supervision.

During a search of Chavez’s person an officer reported finding a large quantity of methamphetamine and narcotic paraphernalia in his possession. As the officer attempted to arrest Chavez, he violently resisted and attempted to flee. Following a brief struggle, Chavez was subdued and neither he nor the officer were injured, PPD reported.

Chavez was found to have an outstanding felony arrest warrant for gun charges in the amount of $150,000. He was also determined to be a previously-convicted felon. During a search of the vehicle, a loaded .45 caliber pistol was allegedly located along with an additional loaded 9 millimeter pistol with an obliterated serial number, PPD reported. Also found within the vehicle allegedly was live ammunition, more methamphetamine, stolen property and indicia indicating Chavez was engaged in drug sales.

During the booking process, Chavez was found to allegedly have methamphetamine concealed upon his person. He was evaluated and was determined to be under the influence of a controlled substance.

Chavez was booked into the custody of the Tulare County Sheriff on the above the following charges, possession of a loaded firearm by a gang member; possession of ammunition by a convicted felon; possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number; possession of a loaded firearm while in possession of methamphetamine; carrying a loaded firearm in a vehicle; possession of methamphetamine for sale; transportation of methamphetamine for sale; possession of a firearm while under the influence of methamphetamine; possession of drug paraphernalia; possession of stolen property; bringing contraband into a custodial facility; resisting an officer with force or violence; and felony warrant. Total bail was set at $200,000.