26-year-old Roger Janz had an outstanding probation warrant for his arrest.
At 9:15 Friday night, an officer conducted a traffic stop at Carol and Childs Avenue in Merced.
Janz stopped the car in a parking lot and immediately ran away.
Officers were able to catch and arrest Janz.
A loaded handgun and methamphetamine were found inside the car.
Janz has been booked in the Merced County Jail.