Sheriff’s Deputies Uncover Ghost Gun Operation Following Assault Arrest and DUI Hit-and-Run 

September 12, 2025 – Santa Barbara, CA – Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office on September 1, 2025, Sheriff’s deputies responded to a residence in the 4800-block of Winding Way for reports of an assault in progress. When deputies arrived, they learned that the 73-year-old victim had been attacked by his son, Dean Wescott II. The victim suffered a cut to his face and difficulty hearing after being struck multiple times in the ear. During the assault, Dean also threatened to retrieve a gun and shoot his father. The victim told deputies that Dean had access to firearms and, along with his brother, Dylan Wescott, had been manufacturing untraceable 3D-printed “ghost guns.”

Deputies knew from prior contacts that both brothers were convicted felons and prohibited from possessing firearms. While deputies were searching the residence, other deputies assigned to the perimeter witnessed a man walking in a crosswalk nearby get struck by a speeding vehicle. The driver fled the scene. Deputies immediately rushed to provide first aid and detained the fleeing vehicle a short distance away. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) responded and arrested the driver for DUI and felony hit-and-run. The injured pedestrian, later identified as the suspect Dean Wescott II, was taken to the hospital with a fractured leg and head injuries.

Inside the Wescott residence, deputies discovered five unserialized 3D-printed handguns, multiple magazines, and a carbine conversion kit in plain view. A report was forwarded to the District Attorney’s Office for charges related to assault, threats, and illegal firearms.

On September 9, 2025, deputies obtained a search warrant to further investigate ghost gun manufacturing at the Wescott home. With the assistance of explosives-detection K9 “Kaz,” deputies seized the following items:

• Seven 3D printers, tools, and related parts
• Fifteen spools of filament
• A 3D-printed pistol and multiple Glock-style frames
• Eight 3D-printed magazines
• Firearm components, including barrels, trigger mechanisms, and magazine springs
• Tablets and a laptop used in manufacturing

Deputies forwarded charges against Dean to the District Attorney’s Office for review.

Sheriff Brown said, “Thanks to some exceptional patrol work and follow-up investigation on the part of SBSO deputies, a dangerous assembly operation for untraceable firearms, operated by persons who are legally prohibited from being armed, was thwarted. Those responsible were arrested or identified, and charges will be sought against them. Our community is a safer place as a result of the deputies’ actions.”

Deputies also obtained an arrest warrant for Dylan Wescott, who remains outstanding. His charges include:

• Manufacturing and possessing unserialized firearms
• Manufacturing firearms without a license using 3D printers
• Possession of firearms by a prohibited person
• Manufacturing undetectable firearms

Anyone with information about Dylan Wescott’s whereabouts is asked to contact the Sheriff’s Office Dispatch at (805) 683-2724.

Source & photos: Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office