August 15, 2026 – Madera County Sheriff's Office officials report that on the morning of August 12, 2026, deputies responded to the area of Avenue 24 and Road 18 3/4 in Fairmead after receiving a report of a female driver asleep behind the wheel of a vehicle that was blocking the roadway.

During the investigation, deputies located a loaded handgun and a large-capacity magazine inside the vehicle. A records check revealed the firearm had been reported stolen out of state. Deputies also located over 10 grams of suspected methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, cash, and a notebook containing names and dollar amounts consistent with suspected narcotics sales. The driver was found to be a convicted felon and prohibited from possessing a firearm.

CHP responded and conducted field sobriety tests, which the driver passed; however, she was arrested and booked into the Madera County Jail on multiple alleged offenses, including:

• Felon in possession of a firearm
• Possession of a large-capacity magazine
• Possession of stolen property
• Possession of methamphetamine for sale
• Possession of a controlled substance
• Possession of drug paraphernalia

Thank you to the passerby who called our dispatch to report this incident. If you see something suspicious, it’s always okay to call.

Call (559) 675-7770 for non-emergencies

9-1-1 for emergencies

Source & photos: Madera County Sheriff's Office