California Highway Patrol officers recovered a stolen handgun, arrested a fleeing suspect, and removed an impaired driver from the road during a series of incidents over a single graveyard shift in Merced County, authorities said.

According to CHP-Merced, an officer spotted a stolen vehicle near State Route 140 and Carole Avenue. When the officer attempted a traffic stop, the driver exited the vehicle and fled on foot.

After a brief search, officers located the suspect and took them into custody, CHP said.

Later in the shift, the same patrol unit observed a vehicle weaving on Winton Way near Myrtle Avenue. A traffic stop was conducted and the driver was determined to be under the influence, according to authorities.

During the investigation, officers recovered a stolen handgun from inside the vehicle.

CHP said the incidents resulted in the recovery of a stolen vehicle, the arrest of a fleeing suspect, the removal of an impaired driver from the roadway, and the recovery of a stolen firearm.

Authorities said each stolen firearm recovered reduces the likelihood it could be used in a future crime.

CHP also urged the public to call 911 if they suspect an impaired driver is on the roadway.

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