72-Year-Old Arrested After Drugs Found in Livingston Traffic Stop

Deputies discovered a pound of methamphetamine in the suspect's car during the stop.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 11:03pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a small plastic bag containing a white crystalline powder, the harsh flash lighting creating a stark, gritty aesthetic that conceptually represents the serious nature of the drug seizure.A recent traffic stop in Livingston uncovered a significant quantity of methamphetamine, underscoring the ongoing challenge of addressing drug-related crimes in the Central Valley.Livingston Today

A 72-year-old man named Ronald Killman was arrested in Livingston, California after deputies found a pound of crystal methamphetamine and drug sale paraphernalia in his car during a traffic stop. Killman had an active felony warrant from the Merced Police Department, and was taken into custody with the assistance of the Merced County Sheriff's Office helicopter.

Why it matters

This arrest highlights the ongoing issue of drug trafficking and distribution in California's Central Valley region, where methamphetamine and other hard drugs continue to plague local communities. The discovery of a large quantity of meth and drug sale evidence during a routine traffic stop underscores the need for vigilant law enforcement efforts to curb the flow of illegal narcotics.

The details

On March 28, deputies were patrolling Joseph Gallo Drive near the Sure Stay Best Western in Livingston when they recognized 72-year-old Ronald Killman sitting in his car. Killman had an active felony warrant from the Merced Police Department. With the help of the Merced County Sheriff's Office helicopter, deputies were able to conduct a traffic stop and take Killman into custody. During a search of Killman's vehicle, they discovered a pound of crystal methamphetamine as well as items suggesting the sale of drugs.

  • On March 28, deputies spotted Killman in his car and conducted the traffic stop.

The players

Ronald Killman

A 72-year-old man who was arrested during a traffic stop in Livingston, California after deputies found a pound of methamphetamine and drug sale evidence in his car.

Merced Police Department

The law enforcement agency that had an active felony warrant out for Ronald Killman's arrest.

Merced County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency that assisted in Killman's arrest and provided air support during the traffic stop.

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The takeaway

This arrest underscores the ongoing challenge of combating the distribution of hard drugs like methamphetamine in California's Central Valley region. It highlights the need for continued vigilance and collaboration between local law enforcement agencies to disrupt drug trafficking networks and get dangerous narcotics off the streets.