An Arizona man was arrested this Monday after being found with an arsenal of illegal firearms on Interstate 10 near Chiriaco Summit, California. The man, identified as 22-year-old Alexis Ayala Molina from Phoenix, Arizona, demonstrated what was described as "suspicious and unsafe driving actions" which prompted a stop by the U.S. Border Patrol. The subsequent investigation led to the discovery of the weapons cache, as per KTLA.
In a detailed account shared by the Riverside County Sheriff's Department, Border Patrol Agents found that Molina was transporting a total of 29 firearms, some configured in the style of assault rifles. The joint investigation with the Coachella Valley Violent Crime Gang Task Force determined that, of the recovered weapons, 27 were assault rifles, one was a bolt-action rifle, and one a semi-automatic pistol, requiring the presence and expertise of the special task force, for their crucial role in handling such severe violations. Additionally, 15 of the guns had been stripped of their serial numbers, earning them the moniker "ghost guns" for their untraceability.
Molina now faces multiple felony charges including possession of assault weapons, transport of assault weapons, and the alteration or removal of the serial numbers from firearms. He's currently held at the John Benoit Detention Center with bail set at $55,000. Molina is expected to appear in court this upcoming Friday at the Indio Larson Justice Center.
A photograph released to investigators shows the assault rifles appear to be similar to AK-47s, indicating the potential for significant firepower possessed by Molina. The origin of the firearms was traced to the Tempe, Arizona area, marking a cross-state smuggling operation. Calling attention to the serious nature of the crime, and the ongoing efforts to quell such activities, anyone with information pertaining to this case is encouraged to contact Officer Martinez at 760-836-1600, as noted in a release posted on the Riverside County Sheriff's Department's website. Anonymous tips can also be submitted to Valley Crimestoppers at 760-341-7867.
