Chino Hills turned into a hub of criminal activity as a probation check led to a major weapons bust yesterday. Deputies stumbled upon an arsenal of illegal firearms, including ghost rifles and high-capacity magazines, at a residence on Chino Hills Parkway. Two suspects, Hector Torrepaniagua and Ruben Acosta, both residents of Chino Hills, were caught in the crosshairs of the law and arrested, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department.
With a routine sweep escalated into a significant find, Hector Torrepaniagua was on probation when officers arrived at his home. Following the discovery, the deputies responded and found a cache of weaponry, which included unserialized rifles, heavily modified assault weapons, and tactical gear amidst hundreds of rounds of ammunition. While handcuffed and taken to the West Valley Detention Center, Ruben Acosta, Torrepaniagua’s roommate, was linked to the weapons, including one manufactured assault rifle.
“Deputies located ghost (unserialized) rifles, modified assault rifles, high-capacity magazines, tactical gear, radios, and several hundred rounds of ammunition,” a released statement by the Sheriff-Coroner's Office stated. Charged with manufacturing an assault weapon, possession of an assault weapon, and criminal storage of firearms, Acosta could face serious time behind bars. A dampened holiday season looms for both accused playmates.
Law enforcement is reaching out to the community for more information. The Chino Hills Police Department is urging anyone in the know to step forward and is offering anonymity through the We-Tip Hotline.
