3 alleged Terra Bella gang members arrested in Porterville

Four men and one juvenile were arrested at 12:20 a.m. on Sunday after officers reportedly discovered live ammunition, a loaded handgun and several spent casings in their vehicle.

The vehicle was pulled over for an enforcement stop in the area of West Henderson Avenue and Brandy Way.

Mario Gomez, 19, Trinidad Castillo, 28, Francisco Hernandez, 23, Raul Raya, 18, and a 16-year-old juvenile were in the vehicle; three of the occupants were reportedly identified as gang members.

Castillo was allegedly in possession of live ammunition, and Hernandez was on active felony probation with special conditions forbidding him to associate with other gang members or possess firearms.

A loaded handgun was allegedly located behind the passenger seat and several spent casings were found throughout the vehicle.

All four adults were arrested and booked on suspicion of possession of a loaded and concealed firearm and participating in a criminal street gang.

Hernandez was additionally charged with violating the terms of his probation.

The juvenile was arrested for violation of the city curfew. He was later cited and released to his parents.

All suspects were transported to the Porterville Police Department and later transferred to the Tulare County Jail.

-- Contact The Recorder at 784-5000, Ext. 1045.