Merced, CA (January 13, 2026) — What began as a routine traffic enforcement stop on southbound Highway 99 near Le Grand Road on the night of January 12, 2026, resulted in the seizure of a rifle and a suspected narcotic, according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP).
CHP Merced posted this release on their Facebook regarding the incident.
“You never know what is riding next to your family on the freeway
You can see their paint color, their license plate, maybe a silhouette in the driver’s seat. But you cannot see what is tucked under a seat, wedged beside a console, or hidden just out of view.
That is why what looks like a routine traffic stop can matter more than people realize.
Our officers stopped a vehicle on State Route 99 southbound near Le Grand Road for following another car too closely. During the contact, an officer noticed signs that something was off and saw part of a rifle hidden inside the vehicle.
The driver was on active probation with previous gun related convictions. A search led to the discovery of the rifle, a glass smoking pipe, and what is believed to be methamphetamine.
This is exactly why traffic stops matter. What starts as a simple correction on the road can end with dangerous items being taken out of circulation.
Thank you to our graveyard crew for staying sharp and keeping our community safer.”
No other information has been released at this time.
