Man Arrested After Deputy Hears Gunfire Near Los Banos Canal Bank
Los Banos, CA (June 19, 2026) — A 27-year-old man was arrested Friday night after a Merced County sheriff’s deputy heard gunshots while patrolling near Volta Road and Pioneer Road, according to the Merced County Sheriff’s Office.
The incident happened on June 13, 2026, at about 10:44 p.m. Deputy Norris was patrolling the area when he saw a vehicle parked along the canal bank, sheriff’s officials said.
As the deputy approached, he heard multiple gunshots and saw a man walking away from the vehicle, according to the sheriff’s office. The man was later identified as Felipe De Jesus Reyes Vargas, 27. Officials said the vehicle left the area, but the deputy safely detained Vargas.
During the investigation, deputies learned Vargas had allegedly been firing a handgun with friends and attempted to discard the firearm in nearby weeds as law enforcement arrived, according to the sheriff’s office.
Deputies searched the area and recovered an unregistered Glock semi-automatic handgun equipped with a 30-round large-capacity magazine, sheriff’s officials said.
Vargas was arrested and booked into the Merced County Jail on suspicion of possession of an unregistered firearm, carrying a loaded concealed firearm, possession of a large-capacity magazine and resisting arrest.
The sheriff’s office said illegal gunfire creates a serious risk to the community because rounds can injure innocent people or damage property.
Anyone who witnesses suspicious activity or hears gunfire is urged to call 911 or the Merced County Sheriff’s Office non-emergency dispatch line at 209-385-7445.
Article Originally Published At: https://losbanosenterprise.com/community/crime/2026/man-arrested-after-deputy-hears-gunfire-near-los-banos-canal-bank-sheriffs-office-says/