HANFORD, Calif. — A Hanford man was arrested after investigators with the Hanford Police Department Street Crimes Unit reportedly discovered a ghost gun and a large-capacity magazine during a search warrant operation at a residence in the city.

According to police, the investigation began on April 29 after officers received information that 24-year-old Damien Rodriguez was allegedly in possession of a handgun while driving within Hanford city limits. Investigators later determined Rodriguez did not have any firearms registered in his name.

On May 1, officers conducted a traffic stop on Rodriguez’s vehicle for what police described as an equipment violation. During the investigation, Rodriguez was identified through his California driver’s license and detained while investigators secured a search warrant for his residence.

Police say investigators later served the search warrant at a home located in the 300 block of South Irwin Street, where they reportedly located a Polymer 80 handgun, commonly referred to as a “ghost gun,” along with a large-capacity magazine.

Rodriguez was taken into custody without incident and booked into the Kings County Jail on multiple firearm-related charges, including carrying a loaded firearm and possession of a large-capacity magazine.

The Hanford Police Department is asking anyone with information related to the case, identified as case number H2601593, to contact Sergeant Jarred Cotta at 559-585-2540.

Ghost guns have become an increasing focus for law enforcement agencies across California due to their lack of serial numbers, making them more difficult to trace during investigations.

Do you believe ghost gun laws should become stricter in California, or do you think current enforcement efforts are enough? Share your thoughts in the comments below.