Police say they found drugs, a loaded firearm and a bulletproof vest when they arrested a suspected gang member trying to evade officers during a traffic stop.
Angel Villegas, 21, of Riverside and his passenger, Lorena Mercado, 28, of Tustin, were arrested Jan. 19. Villegas was booked on suspicion of transporting and possessing a controlled substance, possession of controlled substance paraphernalia, having a loaded firearm, participating in criminal street activity and possession of a firearm during street gang activity.
Mercado was arrested on suspicion of willful cruelty to a child, and an immigration hold was placed on her, according to police records.
