FRESNO - Officers from the Fresno Police Department were conducting proactive patrol Monday in the area of Parkway and Belmont Avenue. They observed a Jeep traveling eastbound at Belmont Avenue and Highway 99 traveling at a high rate of speed. The vehicle made an evasive turn without signaling into a gas station which was closed for business.

A traffic enforcement stop was conducted for the violation and to investigate what purpose the driver had at the closed business. The driver was identified as John Graves (27). After a records check, Graves was found to be unlicensed and on court probation. Graves was also open to search and seizure. After a probation compliance search, Officers located a Taurus .45 caliber handgun in a backpack in the rear of the SUV.

The handgun had an extended, high capacity, magazine. In close proximity, 5 unspent .45 caliber bullets were located. After being advised of his Miranda Rights, Graves admitted to possessing the firearm. Graves stated he had found the gun in a park with the bullets and decided to keep it. Graves possessed the gun for personal protection due to being assaulted and robbed in the past.

Graves was arrested for several weapons related crimes and booked into the Fresno County Jail.