Gang member arrested in Fresno’s Tower District undercover operation

A gang member in possession of a gun was arrested by Fresno police as part of an undercover operation in the Tower District, Sgt. Robert Gonzales said Friday.

William Flores, 37, was found to be in possession of drug paraphernalia and a loaded handgun when police made contact with him in the area of Dennet and Adoline Avenues in central Fresno. Gonzales said Flores, a convicted felon, told police he had the gun for protection from rival gang members. He was booked into the Fresno County Jail on suspicion of seven gang/gun-related felony charges.

The undercover operation was part of a response to the property and violent crime increase that has affected the Tower District area since early June, Gonzales said. The “Felon with a Gun” program offers a $500 reward for information that leads to firearm related arrests, and anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 559-498-STOP.

This story was originally published July 1, 2016 at 9:16 PM with the headline "Gang member arrested in Fresno’s Tower District undercover operation."