Santa Barbara, CA – The Santa Maria Police Department (SMPD) announced the arrest of two individuals in connection with weapons-related charges involving privately manufactured firearms known as "ghost guns." These incidents occurred over a span of three days and highlight ongoing concerns regarding unregulated firearm possession within the community.
On June 19 at approximately 7:00 p.m., SMPD officers conducted a routine traffic stop for equipment violations on N. Lincoln Street in Santa Maria. During this stop, a consensual search of the vehicle revealed that one passenger was carrying a loaded P80-style handgun without a serial number concealed in his waistband. The firearm is classified as a "ghost gun," which refers to firearms made from unserialized parts kits often sold online.
The following day, June 20, SMPD's gang suppression team conducted a probation search at a residence located on Claremont Place. During the search, detectives discovered two loaded Polymer80-style ghost guns in possession of a 16-year-old individual with documented gang ties who was already under probation for previous offenses.
Both individuals were subsequently arrested and booked into Santa Barbara County Northern Branch Jail and Juvenile Hall respectively. The SMPD emphasized that these arrests underscore their commitment to enforcing firearm regulations and addressing public safety concerns related to unregulated firearms in the community.
The incidents have sparked renewed discussions about ghost guns, which are increasingly prevalent due to ease of online purchase and assembly without required background checks or serial numbers typically mandated for traditional firearms. This development poses significant challenges for law enforcement agencies tasked with regulating such weapons effectively.
For more information on these arrests and related firearm regulations, the public is encouraged to contact the Santa Maria Police Department directly.