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By For The Madera Tribune

An early morning traffic stop of a Chevy Blazer occupied by two self-identified gang members led to the discovery of a loaded shotgun inside, according to authorities.

The pair were arrested for possession of an illegal weapon with gang enhancements. One suspect, 26-year-old Omar Medina of Madera, is also charged with resisting arrest.

Officer Alica Keiser pulled over the Blazer about half past midnight Sunday after she observed it swerve into an opposing lane on Lake Street, near South Street. Another officer in the area assisted with the eventual stop on Lincoln Avenue, just east of Bloker Street, according to detective Sgt. Robert Salas.

Both officers approached the car, and Keiser reportedly noticed signs of intoxication in the driver, Medina, as well as an open beer near his seat. The other officer also saw the ignition to the Blazer had been "punched," which allows an automobile to be started without using a key.

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