Felon Arrested for Alleged Possession of `Ghost Gun’ in San Marcos

A 25-year-old felon was arrested after being found with a self-made firearm, police said Sunday.

Deputies conducted a routine traffic stop at around 9:30 p.m. Saturday on West Mission Road, near Comet Circle in the San Marcos area, according to the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department.

A passenger in a vehicle that was stopped, identified as Victor Lopez, allegedly got out and fled. After a short chase on foot he was detained, police reported, and a self-made firearm — or “ghost gun” — allegedly was recovered.

“Unlike weapons made by a licensed manufacturer, ghost guns don’t have a serial number or other identifiable markings. The lack of a serial number makes it extremely challenging for law enforcement agencies to track these firearms to their owner or maker, hindering or delaying investigations and crime-solving efforts,” the department said.

Lopez was arrested on suspicion of several firearm violations and booked into the Vista Detention Facility, according to the department.

No information was immediately available on his prior conviction.

— City News Service