Driver says he was threatened with gun while merging onto Highway 395 in Pasco

A convicted felon is accused of threatening another driver trying to merge onto Highway 395.

A 54-year-old driver was merging into the southbound lanes of Highway 395 near the blue bridge at 11:48 a.m. Friday when he heard a honk from a nearby vehicle, Washington State Patrol Trooper Chris Thorson told the Herald.

When the driver looked over, he said he saw Ronnie J. Mercado, 21, in the passenger’s seat brandishing a handgun.

The man pulled over and called 911, just north of the bridge. The pickup that Mercado was riding in also pulled over.

Troopers took Mercado into custody and learned the gun was stolen and that he had a previous conviction that prevented him from having a gun.

He was booked into Franklin County jail on suspicion of possession of a stolen firearm and illegal firearm possession.

He also had an outstanding warrant from Yakima County for reckless driving.