A traffic stop in California's San Joaquin Valley Monday led to the arrest of a gang member and helped police uncover a cache of firearms and a marijuana grow house, authorities said.
A traffic officer stopped a driver near East Kaviland and South Holloway avenues around 5:40 p.m., according to Fresno police. The man was identified as Khamprasong Thammavong, a 33-year-old documented Laos Blood gang member.
The officer who stopped Thammavong found that the Fresno resident was on an AB 109 probation, meaning that he had served a prison sentence for a non-violent crime and was under supervision after his release.
With help from the Southeast Violent Crime Impact Team, police took Thammavong into custody and went to his Hoxie Avenue residence, which they said on Facebook is open to search and seizure.
In the suspect’s house, police discovered proof of Thammavong’s gang membership, including photos of him holding a semi-automatic rifle and a semi-automatic handgun. Both firearms were also found in the house, but were not registered to Thammavong, police said.
Officers also located tactical gear similar to what is used by law enforcement personnel, narcotics paraphernalia and 38 marijuana plants. Thammavong is not licensed to possess or grow marijuana in California, according to police.
Thammavong was booked into Fresno County Jail after being slapped with a number of felony charges, including possession of a firearm and cultivation of marijuana, according to police. Jail records did not indicate if he had an attorney.
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A mugshot released by the Fresno Police Department showed Thammavong's head is covered in tattoos, including the word "GUCCI" across his forehead.
