A 45-year-old man was arrested after deputies say he threatened a 68-year-old man with a handgun and used racial slurs during a property dispute in South Dos Palos.

Deputies with the Merced County Sheriff’s Office responded Friday morning to the intersection of Cypress Road and Reynolds Avenue regarding a dispute over farming access to property.

Authorities said the suspect, identified as John Jones, began arguing with the victim after not being allowed to farm on the victim’s land. During the confrontation, Jones allegedly used racial slurs, grabbed the victim, and pushed him against a vehicle.

Jones then threatened to kill the victim, retrieved a handgun from his vehicle, and pointed it at him, according to deputies. Authorities said Jones attempted to provoke the victim to give him a reason to carry out the threat, but left the area when the victim did not respond.

Deputies later went to Jones’ residence, where he was arrested and booked into the Merced County Jail on suspicion of felony assault with a firearm and committing a hate crime.

A search warrant served at the residence led to the seizure of 28 firearms, along with the weapon believed to have been used in the incident, authorities said.

Got a Tip?

The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Merced County Sheriff’s Office at (209) 385-7445. Callers may remain anonymous.

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