A 24-year-old Modesto man was jailed early Friday after he was found with a concealed loaded gun and driving on a suspended license during a traffic stop in the 1700 block of Dallas Street.

At 1:35 a.m. Ceres Police Officer Jesus Salinas stopped a tan Buick, which was driven by 24-year-old Jose Manuel Obregon of Modesto, with passenger Angel Sanchez, 23, also of Modesto. Obregon appeared nervous and avoided making eye contact with the officer Salinas who then asked if there were any guns in the car. Obregon hesitated before saying he didn't and informing the officer that he did not have a license and that the car belonged to his friend.

A records check indicated Obregon's license had been suspended and that Sanchez had a misdemeanor warrant issued by Modesto PD for driving on a suspended license. Salinas had both men exit the vehicle and called a tow truck.

While taking inventory of the car officers found a loaded .40 caliber Smith & Wesson semi-automatic pistol with a high capacity magazine underneath the front passenger seat. The gun had 12 live rounds in the magazine and the serial number had been removed. Officers also located a box of 101 hollow point rounds and a black holster in the trunk. As a convicted felon, Obregon is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition. During questioning Obregon admitted the gun was his and that he is an active "Northerner" but not a member of any certain gang.

He was booked on charges of felony possession of a loaded concealed handgun in a vehicle, possession of high capacity magazine, ex-felon in possession of a loaded handgun. He was also charged with driving on a suspended license.