A loaded handgun found during a car stop on Saturday afternoon sent a 22-year-old Modesto driver to the Stanislaus County Jail.

At 1:34 p.m. Officer Justin Canatsy pulled over a blue Volvo because it was missing its license plates while on Hatch Road. The driver, Arek Walker, 22, of Modesto, pulled over into the Kmart parking lot and appeared nervous. Walker's belt was undone and his pants were partially down and exposing his underwear.

Officer Canatsy returned to his patrol car and was communicating with dispatch when he noticed Arek's right arm moving around in an apparent attempt to conceal an item. A records check of Walker revealed he had a no-bail misdemeanor warrant out of Stockton for domestic violence. He also had a suspended license and was on probation for domestic violence.

Walker was placed under arrest. Walker then told Canatsy that there was a gun inside the vehicle. A search turned up a loaded black .40 caliber Taurus Millennium PT Pro 140 between the driver's seat and the center console. Walker said he owns the gun although it was not registered to anyone. He said he carries the gun for protection because people are trying to kill him. Walker said it was not registered as he purchased the pistol off the street for $250. Walker said he had the pistol in his waistband when he was first stopped.

The vehicle was towed and a female passenger was released.

Walker was booked on charges of possession of a concealed firearm, possession of a loaded firearm, possession of a firearm when previously convicted of certain misdemeanors, possession of a firearm in violation of a restraining order, driving on a suspended license, the domestic violence warrant, and probation violation.