Last week's routine traffic stop turned up more than just routine violations in Pleasanton, as local police discovered a loaded ghost gun and a catalytic converter that had been removed, allegedly set for illegal resale. The items were found when officers with the Pleasanton Police Department pulled over a vehicle near Owens Drive and Rosewood Drive, as reported by KRON4.
During the stop, it came to light that one passenger was on probation. Hidden beneath the rear passenger seat, searching officers uncovered a loaded ghost gun, and found in the trunk of the car, a cut catalytic converter was discovered. The discovery, described by the Pleasanton PD in an X post, led to the passenger's arrest on weapons violation charges.
Last week, during a traffic stop, our officers found a loaded ghost gun hidden beneath the rear passenger seat and a cut catalytic converter in the trunk. A passenger was arrested & taken to jail for a weapons violation.
— Pleasanton PD (@pleasantonpd) January 23, 2024
If you see something, say something! Call 9-1-1. ☎️ pic.twitter.com/QI9sskGSJw
The prevalence of so-called ghost guns—firearms assembled from parts and lacking serial numbers—has increasingly become a focus for law enforcement concerned about their potential use in criminal activities due to the difficulty in tracing such weapons. The incident in Pleasanton adds to the growing narrative of these weapons' involvement in crime.
Meanwhile, the theft of catalytic converters has surged nationwide, with these auto parts fetching a high price on the black market for their precious metals. Pleasanton police encourage the public to stay vigilant and to "call 9-1-1" if they observe any suspicious activities related to vehicle parts theft or illegal firearms. The passenger was processed and awaits charges, emphasizing the seriousness with which local authorities treat this intersection of illegal arms and auto theft.
