Probationer said he needed gun for protection. But police arrested him

A former gang member on probation was arrested Wednesday evening after officers found a loaded .40 caliber pistol in the trunk of his car, Fresno police reported.

He was identified as Emilio Ramirez, 32, of Fresno, a self-admitted former Bulldog gang member. Sgt. Ron Manning said officers pulled over Ramirez after he failed to yield for a stop sign at Winery and Leisure avenues. Manning said a probation search of the car uncovered the weapon in the trunk.

Ramirez said that he needed the weapon because of recent shootings in the city. He was booked on weapons charges into Fresno County Jail.

This story was originally published November 1, 2018 at 8:31 AM.