April 23, 2023 - Ventura County Sheriff's Office officials reported that on April 18^th, 2023, a brandishing of a firearm occurred in the area of Silverstrand Beach placing two beach goers in fear for their safety.

On April 18, 2023, at about 2:26 p.m., two adult victims were visiting the area of Silverstrand Beach in the unincorporated area of Oxnard. While attempting to park their vehicle, the victims encountered several subjects drinking near another nearby vehicle. One of the subjects, later identified as 20-year-old Jadon Franco, brandished a “Glock” style handgun that was in his waistband.  Fearing for their safety, the victims left the area and called 9-1-1.  Deputies responded to the area and located a group of subjects matching the description provided by the victims. Franco was identified as the subject who brandished the firearm at the victims, however, was unarmed at the time he was contacted by deputies.

Deputies and the Sheriff’s K9 later located a black Glock style “Ghost Gun” loaded with 10 live rounds of ammunition in the magazine, which was hidden in the area Franco had first been observed.

Franco was later arrested, and Ventura County Sheriff’s Office Headquarters Detectives obtained a signed search warrant for Franco and his residence, which was served with the assistance of Detectives from the Fillmore Police Department, Ojai Police Department, and West County Special Enforcement Unit.

Based on the investigation, Franco was booked into custody at the Pre-Trial Detention Facility in Ventura, California for the following charges: 417.3 PC / Brandishing at a Person in a Motor Vehicle, 29800(a) PC / Possession of a Firearm by a Felon, 30305(a) PC / Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person, 25850(a) PC / Carry a Loaded Firearm in Public, 29815(a) PC / Possession of Firearm as Express Condition of Probation, 25400(a)(2) PC / Carrying a Concealed Firearm (pistol), 25400(c)(4) PC / , and PC 27545 PC.

A ghost gun is a home-made firearm that lacks serial numbers or any markings that allow it to be tracked.  Ghost guns are normally used by persons who are prohibited from being in possession of a firearm, to circumvent background checks, and legal means of purchasing a firearm.  Ghost guns are illegal to possess unless they are properly registered through the state.

The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank members of the public for their on-going support and due diligence in providing information to assist our agency in solving crimes. We are better at what we do because of our community partnerships.

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Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 reward for information, which leads to the arrest and criminal complaint against the person(s) responsible for this crime.  The caller may remain anonymous.  The call is not recorded.  Call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477).

Source: Ventura County Sheriff's Office