Sweep near Fresno Fairgrounds leads to latest weapons arrest

Four people were arrested Saturday night after a police sweep near the Fresno Fairgrounds led to the discovery of three loaded handguns at an apartment party at Hamilton and Chance avenues, police said.

Officers made contact with a group of 20 drinking outside an apartment complex about 7:45 p.m., Lt. Ron Hughes said. One man ran and another dropped a loaded handgun, according to police.

Two others also dropped loaded guns, two .357 handguns and one .38 with the serial numbers filed off, police said.

Three people were arrested on suspicion of resisting arrest and one for weapons charges.

It was the second weapons-related arrest in two days near the fairgrounds, where The Big Fresno Fair began its 12-day run this week. Two firearms were recovered Friday after officers served a warrant at 415 S. Woodrow Ave., Hughes said.

“Every firearm we can get off the streets of Fresno makes Fresno safer,” Hughes said.

Eight to 10 officers were involved in the operation Saturday night, including air support, although some members of the large party got away, Hughes said.

This story was originally published October 10, 2015 at 9:58 PM with the headline "Sweep near Fresno Fairgrounds leads to latest weapons arrest."