SAN MARCOS, CA — On Thursday, July 3, 2025, just after 3:00 p.m., deputies from the San Marcos Sheriff’s Station conducted a traffic stop near the intersection of Nordahl Road and Montiel Road for a vehicle code violation. During the stop, deputies observed a high-capacity magazine in plain view inside the vehicle.
A subsequent search of the vehicle resulted in the discovery of an un-serialized, fully loaded assault rifle, a fully loaded pistol, illegal narcotics, and a large amount of cash. The firearms were identified as ghost guns—firearms without serial numbers, which makes them difficult for law enforcement agencies to trace during criminal investigations.
The driver of the vehicle, identified as William Linares (born January 3, 1996), was arrested at the scene. Linares is facing multiple felony charges, including carrying a loaded firearm in a public place, possession of a firearm without a serial number, and drug-related offenses.
The case remains under investigation by the San Marcos Sheriff’s Station.
