Gang members arrested for drugs and guns in Atwater, police say

ATWATER, Calif. (FOX26) — Several gang members have been arrested after police say they found guns and drugs on them Friday afternoon in Atwater.

The Merced Police Department’s Gang Violence Suppression Unit was working with the Sheriff’s S.T.A.R. team in the city of Atwater.

Around 4:00 p.m. on Friday the team of deputies and officers say they found a group of gang members near Olive Avenue and Willow Street.

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When the team attempted to approach the group of men, one of them started to run away.

Officers were able to chase and catch the man, who was identified as 19-year-old Guillermo Madrigal.

During the chase, officers say they saw the man throw a handgun, which turned out to be a loaded ghost gun.

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Officers say they also found multiple bags of methamphetamine on him.

While officers were chasing Madrigal, two other men from the group were also arrested.

20-year-old Joseph Ochoa was arrested after police say they found a loaded handgun on him

26-year-old Alberto Grijalva was also arrested for violating the terms of his parole.