An anonymous call to police regarding a subject carrying a gun inside a bar early Sunday morning, Dec. 20, led to the arrest of an Oakdale man who was a convicted felon in possession of a handgun.

Oakdale Police Chief Lester Jenkins said police received a call at 1:18 a.m. regarding a man inside Ryders Bar on East F Street with a handgun in his pocket.

“They gave us a physical and clothing description of the guy, but not any name,” Chief Jenkins said.

Police Sergeant Ben Savage and Officer Blake Ebert responded to the bar and saw Monte Gayton, 35, of Oakdale inside the bar, matching the description given by the caller. Chief Jenkins said Officer Ebert recognized Gayton, a known felon, from previous police contacts.

As police observed the situation, Gayton left the bar carrying a beer.

Chief Jenkins said the officers contacted Gayton and he admitted to having a concealed handgun in his pants pocket.

Officers searched Gayton and recovered a loaded .40 caliber Glock 27 and also a glass pipe used to smoke methamphetamine.

When officers checked the status of the handgun, it was reported stolen to the Modesto Police department earlier this year.

Gayton was booked at Stanislaus County Jail for an assortment of charges including being a felon in possession of a handgun and ammunition, possession of a concealed handgun, possession of a loaded handgun, and the illegal drug paraphernalia.