The Merced County Sheriff’s Department has arrested a validated gang member out of Winton for possession of a weapon and child endangerment.

Deputies made contact with Isiah Ramirez, 22, around 5 p.m. Wednesday in the 6000 block of Hall Avenue. While questioning Ramirez the deputies developed information that he was keeping a weapon at his residence, said sheriff spokesman Deputy Tom MacKenzie.

The deputies found a sawed-off 12-gauge shotgun in his bedroom closet along with ammunition. Living in the house with Ramirez was his girlfriend and her 10-year-old son who had access to the weapon, MacKenzie said. After further investigation, deputies were able to determine that Ramirez had already been deported once.

Ramirez made statements that he kept the weapon for protection against rival gang members. He was booked on possession of a sawed-off shotgun, possession of a concealable weapon, participation in a criminal street gang and child endangerment and remains without bail on an immigration hold.