Irvine DUI suspect arrested after drugs and stolen gun found in car, police say

Irvine police have arrested a man suspected of possessing drugs for sale along with a stolen gun, among other crimes.

Jonathan Chen, 24, of Irvine was arrested Sunday on suspicion of driving under the influence of drugs, possession of a controlled substance for sale and possession of a firearm, said Farrah Emami, public information officer for the Irvine Police Department.

Police said that at about 7 p.m. Sunday, an Irvine officer saw a 2016 Dodge Challenger stopped in traffic and obstructing a turn lane at Irvine Center Drive and Fontaine Avenue.

Police said the driver was slumped over and passed out at the wheel. Officers determined he was under the influence of drugs.

While searching the vehicle, officers found a loaded gun that had been reported stolen during a residential burglary in Los Angeles County, police said. They also found a scale, methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin and various pills in “saleable quantities,” police said.

The vehicle had been rented using a stolen credit card, according to police.

Chen, whom police identified as the driver, was arrested at the scene.

He was booked into Orange County Jail with bail set at $225,000.