Kennewick — A Kennewick officer on routine patrol Saturday was nearly struck by a car driven by a convicted felon driving under the influence and hiding a handgun under his seat, police said.

Carlos F. Dominguez, 23, of Richland, failed to stop his gold 1995 Oldsmobile 88 for a stop sign at the intersection of Fourth Avenue and Auburn Street about 5:15 p.m., said Kennewick police.

The officer stopped Dominquez for the reckless driving and as he was making the stop, he could see that the driver trying to hide something under the seat, according to Kennewick police.

A telephonic search warrant was applied for and granted. A search of the car turned up a handgun hidden under the driver seat. Dominguez is a convicted felon and should not be in possession of a firearm, police said.

Dominquez was booked into the Benton County jail for DUI, driving while license suspended and recommendation for the charge of felon in possession of a firearm, said Kennewick police.