San Jose teen arrested for using 3D printer to manufacture ghost guns

Alex Baker
·1 min read
6

(KRON) — A San Jose teenager who allegedly used a 3D printer to manufacture ghost guns for sale was arrested last week, according to the San Jose Police Department. The arrest was made in connection to an investigation launched by the SJPD Gun and Hazardous Offender Suppression Team (GHOST) on Jan. 12.

Officers received a tip regarding the manufacture and sale of privately made firearms — commonly known as ghost guns — within the city of San Jose. An investigation identified Francisco Sanchez Jr., 18, as the primary suspect.

Overall crime numbers down in SF, mayor says

It was discovered, police said, that Sanchez was using a 3D printer to manufacture illegal firearms for sale.

SJPD’s GHOST unit obtained an arrest warrant for Sanchez and a search warrant for his residence with the assistance of the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office. Last Thursday, the SJPD Gang Investigation Unit and Mobile Emergency Response Group & Equipment (MERGE) Unit served the warrants and arrested Sanchez.

A search of his residence revealed two firearms, firearm manufacturing precursor materials and a 3D printing machine, allegedly used to manufacture the ghost guns. Sanchez was booked into the Santa Clara County Main Jail for illegal firearm manufacturing and the sale of un-serialized firearms, police said.

A 14-year-old Santa Rosa boy was also arrested last week on suspicion of manufacturing firearms after police found a 3D printer and firearm parts at the boy’s home.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4.