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San Marcos Today
By the People, for the People
Juvenile Arrested with Loaded 'Ghost Gun' in North County Traffic Stop
Deputies also found illegal substances and a large amount of cash, according to the San Diego County Sheriff's Office.
Published on Mar. 9, 2026
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A juvenile was taken into custody after deputies found a loaded, unserialized handgun during a traffic stop in San Marcos, California. The sheriff's office described the weapon as a "ghost gun," which lack serial numbers and make them difficult to trace. Deputies also discovered illegal substances and a large amount of cash in the vehicle.
Why it matters
The arrest highlights the growing concern over untraceable "ghost guns" and the potential risks they pose to public safety, especially when in the possession of minors. San Marcos has seen an increase in gang activity and gun violence in recent years, making this incident particularly troubling for the local community.
The details
On Friday afternoon, deputies with the San Marcos Gang Enforcement Team stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation near the intersection of Autumn Drive and Tiger Way. Four juveniles were inside the vehicle, and one had a loaded, unserialized pistol concealed in their waistband. In addition to the ghost gun, deputies also found illegal substances and a large amount of cash.
- The traffic stop occurred shortly after 2 p.m. on Friday, March 9, 2026.
The players
San Diego County Sheriff's Office
The law enforcement agency that made the arrest and is investigating the incident.
San Marcos Gang Enforcement Team
The specialized unit within the San Diego County Sheriff's Office that conducted the traffic stop and made the arrest.
What’s next
The juvenile arrested faces felony charges of carrying a loaded gun in a public place or street and owning or possessing a gun without a serial number.
The takeaway
This incident underscores the ongoing challenge of addressing the proliferation of untraceable "ghost guns" and their potential use by minors, which raises serious concerns about public safety and the need for continued law enforcement efforts to combat gun violence in the local community.
