A Visalia man was arrested after a multi-agency firearms investigation led to the seizure of a stolen AR-15 style rifle, a Glock pistol, large-capacity magazines and ammunition, according to the Visalia Police Department.

The Tulare County Agencies Regional Gun Violence Enforcement Team arrested Markell Martin, 37, on July 13 following what police described as a lengthy firearms investigation.

During the investigation, TARGET served multiple search warrants at several locations throughout Visalia. Investigators recovered a stolen AR-15 style rifle, a Glock pistol, seven large-capacity magazines and approximately 1,000 rounds of ammunition.

Police said Martin is a convicted felon and is prohibited by law from possessing firearms or ammunition.

Martin was booked into the Tulare County Pre-Trial Facility on charges including possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, prohibited person in possession of ammunition, possession of an assault weapon, possession of stolen property, and possession of a large-capacity magazine.

TARGET is a multi-agency task force made up of members from the California Department of Justice Bureau of Firearms, Visalia Police Department, Tulare County Sheriff’s Office, FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

The task force’s mission is to reduce gun violence throughout Tulare County by investigating and removing illegally possessed firearms from communities.

Got a Tip?

Anyone with information about the illegal possession, sale or manufacturing of firearms is encouraged to contact the anonymous TARGET Tip Line at (559) 713-4738.

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