Man Arrested In Encinitas With Suspected Fentanyl, Unserialized Gun

ENCINITAS, CA — A man was arrested after deputies found an unserialized loaded firearm and suspected fentanyl during a traffic stop in Encinitas, authorities said.

A deputy from the North Coastal Station attempted to contact Ryan Vanvelzer, 46, at 2:37 a.m. Wednesday after finding him asleep in the driver's seat of a vehicle in violation of a city ordinance, according to the San Diego County Sheriff's Office.

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Authorities said Vanvelzer drove away as the deputy approached, prompting a traffic stop in the 600 block of La Costa Avenue.

During a search of the vehicle, deputies found a loaded unserialized firearm and an illegal substance that presumptively tested positive for fentanyl, officials said. Vanvelzer was arrested and booked into the Vista Detention Facility on multiple firearms and drug-related charges.