Ghost Gun Arrest in San Marcos 

July 6, 2025 – San Diego County Sheriff's Office officials report that a man is facing firearms-related charges in connection with a ghost gun in San Marcos.  Deputies with the San Marcos Sheriff's Station conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for a vehicle code violation in the area of Nordahl Road and Montiel Road on Thursday, July 3, just after 3:00 p.m.

Deputies contacted the driver of the vehicle and noticed a high-capacity magazine was visible inside the vehicle.  A search of the vehicle yielded an un-serialized, fully loaded assault rifle and another fully loaded pistol.  Additionally, illegal narcotics and a large amount of cash were located.

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 driver of the vehicle was arrested.  William Linares (29) is facing felony charges of carrying a loaded gun in a public place or public street and owning or possessing a gun without a serial number and drug related charges.

Source & photo: San Diego County Sheriff's Office