Suspected gang member arrested

Police say they found drugs, a loaded firearm and a bulletproof vest when they arrested a suspected gang member trying to evade officers during a traffic stop.

Angel Villegas, 21, of Riverside and his passenger, Lorena Mercado, 28, of Tustin, were arrested Jan. 19. Villegas was booked on suspicion of transporting and possessing a controlled substance, possession of controlled substance paraphernalia, having a loaded firearm, participating in criminal street activity and possession of a firearm during street gang activity.

Mercado was arrested on suspicion of willful cruelty to a child, and an immigration hold was placed on her, according to police records.

Villegas was driving a Chevrolet Tahoe near Beach Boulevard and Edinger Avenue when officers attempted to pull him over about 1:30 a.m., Lt. Russell Reinhart said. An investigation revealed Villegas is a member of the street gang Dark Side Assassins or Dark Side Locos, Reinhart said.

Mercado was arrested after police discovered she had left her 3- and 10-year-old children at home in Tustin for the night, Reinhart said.

— Britney Barnes