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ShotSpotter activation helps officers arrest armed man

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BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — According to Bakersfield Police, a ShotSpotter activation led to an arrest of an armed driver in East Bakersfield.

When Officers responded to the 800 block of Pacific Street, they observed a vehicle leaving the area. A record check of the vehicle revealed the registered owner lived at the location of the ShotSpotter activation.

The driver, Manuel Vargas Mercado, 24, was determined to be an unlicensed driver. A handgun was located in the center console with an expended shell casing in the chamber and 9 live rounds in the magazine.

Officers were able to conclude that Mercado was responsible for the activation. He was arrested for applicable weapons charges.

It is still unclear when the ShotSpotter activation and the arrest took place.

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