What started as a fireworks complaint in West Berkeley quickly escalated into a gun case, after police say they traced street explosions to a nearby home and discovered a loaded ghost gun inside.
On Sunday, officers responded to reports of possible gunfire near Seventh Street and Dwight Way and arrived to find evidence that fireworks had recently been set off in the street. According to the Berkeley Police Department, officers watched several people head into a nearby residence and went to investigate.
Inside, officers contacted three people and, after a search, reported finding an unserialized, loaded AR-style pistol, ammunition and a ballistic helmet. All three were arrested on suspicion of being felons in possession of firearms and ammunition, along with other related violations. Police say the home itself did not contain any additional fireworks, although they documented signs that fireworks had been ignited outside.
Officers Describe the Scene
In a social media post, Berkeley police said they searched the property to make sure there were no remaining explosives and took photos of the scorched street outside as evidence of the earlier pyrotechnics. The main discovery, though, was the so-called ghost gun: an unserialized AR-style pistol loaded and stored with extra ammunition beside a ballistic helmet.
Legal Context
Under California Penal Code section 29800, anyone with a prior felony conviction who possesses a firearm can face a new felony charge that carries potential custody time of 16 months to three years. For a breakdown of the law’s elements and penalties, see Justia.
Fireworks Are Illegal in Berkeley
The City of Berkeley is not subtle about its rules: “Fireworks are illegal citywide.” Officials warn that everything from stray sparks to crowded streets can quickly turn a holiday celebration into a dangerous, resource-draining emergency. City guidance outlines safe disposal options and urges residents to report fireworks activity to police, including by using the Berkeley non-emergency dispatch line.
Regional Enforcement Ahead of July 4
The Berkeley bust lands in the middle of a broader Bay Area crackdown on illegal fireworks in the run-up to Independence Day. Just last week, Alameda County detectives seized roughly a quarter-ton of commercial-grade fireworks during a parole sweep, according to SFGATE. Officials say stepped-up seizures and new fines are aimed at discouraging backyard shows and reducing fires and injuries.
Anyone with information about Sunday's incident is asked to contact Berkeley Police non-emergency dispatch at (510) 981-5900, as listed by the City of Berkeley. Investigators say the probe is ongoing and that further updates will be released as they become available.
