Attorney General Bonta Announces Two Arrests, Seizure of Firearms and Narcotics in Tulare County

OAKLAND -California Attorney General Rob Bonta today announced the arrest of two people following a multi-agency operation that resulted in the seizure of six firearms, ammunition, and narcotics at a residence in Tulare County. Officers seized three rifles, two shotguns, one pistol, 99 rounds of ammunition, 24 grams of methamphetamine, and three digital scales. Among the firearms recovered was a pistol reported stolen in 2023 from Visalia.

"When firearms fall into the wrong hands, they put our communities at risk," said Attorney General Bonta. "Thanks to the coordinated efforts of our special agents and local and federal law enforcement partners, we have recovered six firearms, including a pistol reported stolen in 2023, along with illegal drugs. The California Department of Justice will continue working with agencies across the state to prevent gun violence and protect Californians."

On October 6, 2026, following an investigation into suspected unlawful firearm possession and narcotics sales, the Tulare County Agencies Regional Gun Violence Enforcement Team (TARGET), with support from the Tulare Police Department SWAT Team, California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation Community Compliance Unit, and California Department of Justice (DOJ), executed a search warrant at a Tulare residence.

Two people were arrested as a result of the investigation. One individual was arrested on suspicion of being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm, possessing a loaded firearm while in possession of a controlled substance, allowing a convicted felon access to a firearm, possessing stolen property, and possessing a controlled substance for sale. The second individual was arrested on suspicion of possessing a controlled substance, possessing a controlled substance with qualifying prior convictions, and violating parole. California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation personnel located and arrested the second individual during the operation.

The TARGET task force consists of personnel from DOJ's Bureau of Firearms, Visalia Police Department, Tulare County Sheriff's Office, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The task force works with law enforcement agencies throughout Tulare County to reduce gun violence in the community.

DOJ's Bureau of Firearms serves the people of California through education, regulation, and enforcement actions regarding the manufacture, sale, ownership, safety training, and transfer of firearms and ammunition. Bureau of Firearms staff provide firearms expertise and information to law enforcement, legislators, and the general public to promote responsible firearms possession and use by California residents.

The charges described in this release are only allegations. Every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.