A male passenger in a car pulled over by police was arrested early Friday, Feb. 14 because of a felony auto theft warrant and because he possessed an altered firearm.

David Menchaca, 44, of Waterford was riding in a 1995 Chevy pickup that was stopped at 12:28 a.m. by Officer Christian Izquierdo. The stop was made as driver Shelly Medina, 47, of Modesto, was pulling into the trailer park at 110 Wisenor Avenue in Modesto. A records check indicated Menchaca had a felony no-bail warrant for his arrest issued by Ceres Police Department. Menchaca was arrested. A search during Menchaca’s seat revealed a plastic replica firearm which was altered by being painted black. It appeared to be a BB gun at one time but a live 9 mm ammunition round jammed into the chamber. It also was attached with a working laser. 

Menchaca said he carries it for protection as a dropout gang member and admitted hiding it under the seat prior to Officer Izquierdo walking up to the pickup. 

Menchaca was booked at the Stanislaus Public Safety Center for the felony auto theft warrant and possession of an altered firearm.