Santa Maria Police Arrest Another Teen with Ghost Gun

Teenager found with loaded, untraceable 9mm handgun during probation search

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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As part of an ongoing proactive enforcement campaign, the Santa Maria Police Department's gang suppression team arrested a teenage gang member on Wednesday for possession of a loaded, unserialized 9mm handgun known as a 'Ghost Gun'.

Why it matters

Ghost guns, which lack serial numbers and can be assembled from parts, have become an increasing concern for law enforcement as they are difficult to trace and often end up in the hands of minors and criminals. This arrest highlights the department's efforts to get these untraceable firearms off the streets.

The details

Officers conducted a probation search at the home of a known juvenile gang member shortly after 4 p.m. and located the loaded 9mm ghost gun in the teenager's possession. The juvenile was arrested for a probation violation and weapons charges.

  • On Wednesday, February 13, 2026, around 4 p.m.

The players

Santa Maria Police Department

The local law enforcement agency that conducted the probation search and arrest.

Juvenile gang member

A teenager who was found in possession of the loaded, untraceable 9mm handgun during the probation search.

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What’s next

The juvenile will face charges for the probation violation and weapons offenses.

The takeaway

This arrest underscores the growing problem of ghost guns, which allow minors and criminals to obtain untraceable firearms and highlights the Santa Maria Police Department's efforts to get these dangerous weapons off the streets through proactive enforcement.