Juvenile With Loaded 'Ghost Gun' Arrested During North County Traffic Stop

SAN MARCOS, CA — A juvenile was taken into custody after deputies found a loaded, unserialized handgun during a traffic stop in North County, authorities said.

Deputies with the San Marcos Gang Enforcement Team stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation shortly after 2 p.m. Friday near the intersection of Autumn Drive and Tiger Way in San Marcos, according to the San Diego County Sheriff's Office.

Four juveniles were inside the vehicle, and one had a loaded pistol concealed in their waistband, officials said. The sheriff's office described the weapon as a "ghost gun," which lack serial numbers and make them difficult to trace.

Deputies also found illegal substances and a large amount of cash.

The juvenile was arrested and faces felony charges of carrying a loaded gun in a public place or street and owning or possessing a gun without a serial number, officials said.

Officials did not release the juvenile's name because of their age.