June 20, 2026 – Merced County Sheriff's Office officials report that on June 13, 2026, at approximately 10:44 p.m., Deputy Norris was patrolling the area of Volta Road and Pioneer Road in Los Banos when he observed a vehicle parked along the canal bank. As he approached, he heard multiple gunshots and saw a man, later identified as 27-year-old Felipe De Jesus Reyes Vargas, walking away from the vehicle. The vehicle fled the area, but Deputy Norris safely detained Vargas.

During the investigation, deputies learned that Vargas had been firing a handgun with friends and attempted to discard the firearm into nearby weeds as law enforcement arrived. Deputies searched the area and recovered an unregistered Glock semi-automatic handgun equipped with a 30-round high-capacity magazine.

Vargas was arrested and booked into the Merced County Jail on charges of possession of an unregistered firearm, carrying a loaded concealed firearm, possession of a large-capacity magazine, and resisting arrest.

Illegal gunfire puts our communities at serious risk. Whether fired recklessly or intentionally, each round can injure an innocent person or damage property. Removing illegal firearms from our streets is one of the many ways our agency proactively protects Merced County residents.

If you witness suspicious activity or hear gunfire in your neighborhood, you are urged to report it by calling 9-1-1 or our non-emergency dispatch line at 209.385.7445. Your willingness to report suspicious activity helps keep our community safe. Great work by Deputy Norris for his vigilance, proactive policing, and dedication to keeping illegal firearms off our streets!

Source & photo: Merced County Sheriff's Office