An 18-year-old man who allegedly fired a “ghost gun” rifle in Poway on Tuesday and then ran from deputies was arrested Saturday in Oklahoma City, officials said.
Cameron Johnson allegedly fired a rifle in an open field near Hidden Valley Drive and Birch Lane, according to sheriff’s Lt. Colin Hebeler.
Johnson was dressed in military-style fatigues and was in possession of a rifle that did not have a serial number when he was contacted by deputies, Hebeler said.
“At this point, Johnson ran from deputies into an area with dense vegetation,” he said. “Despite an hourslong search involving deputies, sheriff’s ASTREA (helicopter) and sheriff’s K-9s, Johnson was not located.”
Deputies served a search warrant at Johnson’s home and found firearm parts without serial numbers and body armor, officials said.
Ghosts guns are do-it-yourself firearms often sold in kits. Because the parts — like an unfinished gun frame — are not classified as guns, they have no serial numbers. Anyone can legally buy the parts.
Johnson was being sought for suspicion of negligent discharge of a firearm, possession of an unserialized assault rifle and violation of a Gun Violence Restraining Order, Hebeler said. A warrant for Johnson’s arrest was issued by the San Diego Superior Court on Thursday.
Johnson was located and arrested in Oklahoma City on Saturday. He is expected to be returned to San Diego.