Ghost Gun Arrest in San Marcos 

December 12, 2024 – San Diego County Sheriff’s Office officials report that on Wednesday, December 11, just before 5:00 p.m., deputies conducted a traffic stop on North Las Posas Road near West Borden Road, San Marcos. Two adult males, Christian Verduzco (19) and Jonathan Ramirez (20), and two juvenile females were in the vehicle. Deputies observed the juveniles were in possession of marijuana products. The driver of the vehicle, Verduzco, admitted to deputies there was a gun in the back seat near the juveniles. All the occupants of the vehicle were detained, and deputies conducted a search of the vehicle. A loaded, privately manufactured weapon, also commonly known as a ghost gun, was located in the back seat of the vehicle. 

The gun was classified as an illegal short-barreled rifle. 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.

Cocaine, US currency, and hundreds of marijuana vape products were also located in the vehicle. Verduzco was arrested for several weapons violations, narcotics violations, and child endangerment. He was booked into the Vista Detention Facility. Ramirez was arrested for possession of marijuana for sales. He was cited and released for the misdemeanor violation. The two female juveniles were released to their parents.

Deputies from the San Marcos Sheriff's Station are committed to taking illegal, privately manufactured weapons off the streets in the North County.

If you observe criminal activity in your neighborhood, call the San Diego County Sheriff's Office at (858) 868-3200. 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 Office