Kern County Sheriff Department’s gang unit arrested a pair of men on Tuesday on suspicion of possession of methamphetamine and a semi-automatic handgun in east Bakersfield.

Deputies said at 11:30 a.m., the gang unit met Jose Ayon Navarro, 30, at a business in the 2000 block of Niles Street. Navarro had an active no bail warrant for his arrest which stemmed from violating the terms of his Post Release Community Supervision.

When he was searched by deputies, Navarro was in possession of methamphetamine and several hundred dollars in cash, authorities said.

During a search of his vehicle, deputies located a loaded 40-caliber semi-automatic handgun and ammunition, which was in the driver’s compartment.

Deputies took Navarro to his residence in the 2100 block of Custer Street where they executed a search warrant. As they arrived at the residence, deputies contacted 42-year-old Matthew Childress in the front yard. Deputies said Childress was found to be on probation and in possession of 2 ounces of methamphetamine.

Once inside the residence, deputies discovered more than one-half pound of methamphetamine, paraphernalia indicative of the sale of controlled substances, over 100 rounds of ammunition, and ballistic body armor.

Navarro was booked on numerous charges which included convicted felon in possession of a firearm/ammunition, possession of a controlled substance while armed with a firearm, possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of sale, maintaining a residence for the purpose of selling controlled substances and possession of ballistic armor by a felon.

Childress was booked on charges of possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of sale and transportation of a controlled substance.