A 25-year-old Hanford man was arrested Tuesday morning after deputies discovered him driving under the influence while in possession of a loaded firearm, authorities said on Monday.

According to the Kings County Sheriff’s Office, deputies spotted Gabriel Nicholas Bell at around 2:12 a.m., parked in the center of the road near 8 ¾ Avenue and Carolyn Avenue with his engine running and headlights on. When deputies approached, Bell was found to be under the influence of alcohol.

During a search, deputies discovered a loaded Smith & Wesson XD-9 handgun in Bell’s jacket pocket. A records check revealed Bell is a convicted felon on active felony probation for possessing an undetectable firearm, also known as a ghost gun.

Bell was charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and live a

See Full Page