The Coast News Group
The San Diego County Sheriff's Office. File photo
The San Diego County Sheriff's Office. File photo
CitiesCrimeCrimeEncinitasNews

Deputies recover ghost gun, suspected fentanyl in Encinitas stop

ENCINITAS — A 46-year-old man was arrested Wednesday after San Diego County sheriff’s deputies allegedly found a loaded unserialized firearm and suspected fentanyl during a traffic stop in Encinitas.

Deputies from the North Coastal Sheriff’s Station initially contacted Ryan Vanvelzer after finding him asleep in the driver’s seat of a vehicle in violation of Encinitas Municipal Code 9.01.025, according to the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office.

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

Following an investigation, deputies detained Vanvelzer and searched the vehicle, where they allegedly located a loaded unserialized firearm. Deputies also reported finding an illegal substance that presumptively tested positive for fentanyl.

Vanvelzer was booked into the Vista Detention Facility on multiple firearms- and drug-related charges.

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