It’s illegal to carry a loaded handgun in your car without a valid concealed weapons permit.

And that goes double for those on searchable probation – as one Lathrop driver found out last week.

According to the Lathrop Police Department, officers conducted a traffic stop on April 7 near the intersection of Harlan Road and J Street after observing the driver allegedly committing traffic violations while behind the wheel.

Upon contacting the driver and learning of their identity, officers found out that the driver was on probation and conducted a search of the vehicle – discovering a loaded semiautomatic handgun and additional ammunition.

The driver was taken into custody and booked into the San Joaquin County Jail on a variety of firearms-related charges.

The incident was the second in as many weeks for Lathrop Police officers conducting a traffic stop on a suspect that was on searchable probation. Last month, the agency executed a traffic stop near Harlan and Roth Roads where they discovered two loaded handguns – one of which was stolen – that were within reach of children that were inside of the vehicle at the time.

Officers also located narcotics inside of the vehicle.

All three adult occupants in the vehicle were taken into custody for a variety of firearms-related charges as well as drug charges and a gang-enhancement. Those arrested were also charged with child endangerment for having a loaded gun in a place where a child could access it.

To contact Bulletin reporter Jason Campbell email jcampbell@mantecabulletin.com or call 209.249.3544.