Gun Arrest in San Marcos - Felon with loaded handgun in custody. 

July 27, 2024 – San Diego County Sheriff’s Department officials report that Deputies from the San Marcos Sheriff's Station are committed to taking illegal, privately manufactured weapons off the streets in the North County.

On Friday, July 26, just before 6:30 p.m., deputies observed an occupied suspicious vehicle at 202 South Rancho Santa Fe Road. During a search of the vehicle, a loaded, privately manufactured weapon, also commonly known as a ghost gun, was located along with 48 rounds of 9mm ammunition.  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.

Deputies also located a large variety of illegal controlled substances which included cocaine, ecstasy, fentanyl pills, and psilocybin mushrooms. Justin Gioia (25), Nathaniel Brown (36), and a 17-year-old juvenile female were arrested for various drug sales and firearms charges.  Gioia and Brown were booked into the Vista Detention Facility.  The juvenile was later released to her parents.

If you observe criminal activity in your neighborhood, call the San Diego County Sheriff's Office at (858) 565-5200. The public's assistance is one of the most valuable tools we have to combat crime and protect the communities we serve.

Source & photos: San Diego County Sheriff’s Department