A 31-year-old Ceres man was arrested Tuesday afternoon, Sept. 20 after he was accused of throwing rocks at a passing vehicle on Highway 99 and found to be a felon in possession of a gun.

Rafael Venegas was arrested and booked into the Stanislaus County Public Safety Center for being a felon in possession of a firearm, carrying a concealed weapon, probation violation, and delaying an officer. 

At 4:14 p.m., Officer Jon Blount was on patrol and saw a man yelling at the suspect near the railroad tracks along Railroad Avenue near Central Avenue. Officer Blount asked the bystander if everything was ok to which he answered, “That is him right there!” as he gave chase after Venegas who also began running away. Both males ran across the railroad tracks and towards the Whitmore Park.

Officer Blount drove to the location and found both males at the Whitmore Park, who were yelling at one another. As Officer Blount got of his patrol vehicle near the two males, Venegas began to run away. Officer Blount was told that the suspect was throwing rocks at vehicles on the freeway. Officer Blount broadcasted this information over the radio and advised arriving units where Venegas was last seen running. 

Officers caught Venegas in a nearby alley. During a search police found a .38 caliber double action revolver in his backpack.

Police said there were no other reports of rocks being thrown at vehicles.