By F. Scott Faulkner
August 7, 2024 – Ventura County, Ca.
According to Ventura County Sheriff’s Department spokesman Sgt. Beau Rodriguez, law enforcement has reported recent increase in illegal firearm crimes, including the possession and use of “ghost guns” within the county. In response to the dangers imposed by the proliferation of illegal firepower, the VCSD has created the West County Special Enforcement Unit, composed of eight detectives tasked with investigating gang issues, violent crimes, and illegal firearm activities.
Those efforts continue to meet with success, as evidenced by the investigation into the activities of 32-year-old Moorpark resident Arnoldo Garcia, a convicted felon prohibited from owning or possessing firearms and ammunition.
VCSD’s Special Enforcement Unit detectives obtained a signed search warrant for Garcia, his residence, and his vehicle. Upon the execution of the warrant, detectives found Garcia absent from the residence.
While the cops were conducting their search, Garcia returned home and was promptly detained by detectives, at which time a semi-automatic “ghost” handgun was found inside his vehicle. Further search of his residence led to the discovery of over two dozen firearms, including ghost handguns and assault rifles, various types of ammunition, and materials indicating illegal firearm manufacturing. One of the firearms was determined to be stolen from Los Angeles County.
Garcia was taken into custody and transported to Ventura County Jail, where he was booked for multiple firearms violations, including possession of firearms and ammunition by a convicted felon. Garcia posted bail and has been released from custody, with a pending court date.
