A man was arrested on multiple felony firearm charges after authorities served a search warrant at a residence in Tulare County as part of an investigation into the unlawful possession of firearms, officials said.

The Tulare County Agencies Regional Gun Violence Enforcement Team, known as TARGET, served the warrant Thursday in the 200 block of South Mooney Avenue with assistance from the Tulare Police Department and the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation’s Community Care Unit, according to the Visalia Police Department.

Officers contacted several people at the residence, including Ramon Gutierrez-Castro. During a search of Castro’s bedroom, investigators found an SKS rifle, multiple large-capacity magazines, ammunition, and gang-related items, authorities said.

Investigators determined Castro was prohibited from owning or possessing firearms because of a prior conviction for brandishing a firearm in public. According to police, the conviction restricts his firearm rights for 10 years.

Castro was arrested and booked into the Tulare County South County Detention Facility on multiple felony charges, including possession of an assault weapon, possession of a firearm by a prohibited person under a probation condition, possession of a firearm by a prohibited person based on a prior misdemeanor conviction, and possession of ammunition by a prohibited person.

Authorities said the case will be submitted to the Tulare County District Attorney’s Office for review and possible prosecution.

Got a Tip?

Officials encouraged anyone with information about illegal firearm possession, sales or manufacturing to contact the anonymous TARGET tip line at (559) 713-4738.

—

Connect with Anthony W. Haddad on social media. Got a tip? Send an email.