A man is facing firearms-related charges in connection with a ghost gun in Fallbrook. Deputies with the Fallbrook Substation conducted a traffic stop on vehicle for a vehicle code violation in the area of 1600 S. Mission Rd. on Wednesday, August 20, just after 4:00 p.m.
The vehicle was occupied by three individuals. Deputies contacted the driver, front passenger and the rear passenger sitting behind the driver. The three occupants of the vehicle provided the deputies with identification. A records check was conducted which confirmed the driver of the vehicle had a served temporary restraining order for a domestic violence incident and could not own or possess any firearms. The rear passage of the vehicle was confirmed to have a valid 4th Waiver.
A search of the vehicle was conducted where a loaded firearm was discovered in a small black handbag behind the front passenger’s seat that was easily accessible for any person inside of the vehicle to possess.
The firearm was seized and rendered safe. It was discovered that the firearm was altered, un-serialized, and had live ammunition in the magazine. Unlike weapons made by a licensed manufacturer, private manufactured firearms (PMF), or ghost guns, do not 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, Ryan Rotherforth (8/19/1997), was arrested and is facing felony charges of carrying a loaded firearm in public, altering a firearm, possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.
Media Contact: Sergeant Tyler Skeels
Tyler.Skeels@SDSheriff.org
Fallbrook Substation: 760-451-3100
