Above: Ghost gun confiscated during arrest | Kings County Sheriff’s Office
Authorities in Kings County have announced the arrest of a man allegedly caught in possession of a ghost gun.
On Tuesday, May 2, a man identified as Albert Thomas was reportedly arrested after being found in possession of an untraceable, loaded .9mm semi-automatic Glock-style handgun. Thomas was a passenger in a Lexus SUV traveling along the east bank of the Kings River in violation of an emergency closure order by the Kings County Board of Supervisors.
According to a press release by the Sheriff’s Office, a deputy was patrolling the area near the 21500 Block of Jackson Avenue when he spotted the SUV and made a traffic enforcement stop. During a search of the vehicle, the deputy discovered a black backpack which contained the loaded firearm.
Further investigation revealed that the backpack belonged to Thomas, who was subsequently arrested on suspicion of being a felon in possession of a firearm, carrying a concealed weapon in a vehicle, felon in possession of ammunition, and unlawfully manufacturing a firearm.
It was later discovered that Thomas had a lengthy criminal record, including prior convictions for manufacturing a dangerous weapon, multiple domestic violence offenses, multiple felon in possession of a firearm convictions, assault with a deadly weapon, and felony vandalism, the Sheriff’s Office said.
Law enforcement officials have expressed concern over the proliferation of ghost guns, which can be easily manufactured at home and often lack serial numbers, making them difficult to track and regulate. They are one of the only types of weapons that can still be legally obtained by a person who normally would not be able to purchase firearms due to red flag laws.
The Kings County Sheriff’s Office encourages the public to report any suspicious activity along the Kings River or on the levees and to comply with emergency closure orders to help ensure public safety.
