On January 2, 2025, detectives from the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at a residence in Pittsburg, California. This was part of an ongoing investigation into a shooting that occurred at the Contra Costa County Fairgrounds in Antioch on September 16, 2024. During the incident, two suspects reportedly shot a person during an argument, one of them using an illegally manufactured gun.
The search of the Pittsburg residence resulted in the arrest of 27-year-old Diego A. Vasquez-Gomez. Authorities allege that Vasquez-Gomez was illegally manufacturing firearms, including assault weapons, and selling them without a license. Several firearms were recovered during the search, including assault weapons and a short-barreled rifle. Some of these weapons were “ghost guns,” which lack serial numbers, making them difficult to trace.
Details of the Case
The September shooting at the Contra Costa County Fairgrounds involved two suspects who reportedly fired shots during an argument. Authorities believe that one of the suspects used a gun that had been illegally manufactured. While investigating the incident, detectives uncovered evidence pointing to Vasquez-Gomez as the individual responsible for creating and selling illegal firearms.
During the search of his residence, detectives seized multiple firearms, including:
Assault weapons.
A short-barreled rifle.
Several untraceable “ghost guns.”
The recovered weapons will undergo testing to determine if they were used in any other crimes.
Charges Filed Against the Suspect
Diego A. Vasquez-Gomez has been booked into the Martinez Detention Facility on multiple charges, including:
Manufacturing and selling assault weapons.
Illegal possession of assault weapons.
Manufacturing a short-barreled firearm.
Unlicensed transfer of firearms.
Child endangerment.
The child endangerment charge suggests that firearms or other dangerous conditions in Vasquez-Gomez’s home may have posed a threat to minors.
The Rise of Ghost Guns and Illegal Firearm Manufacturing
Ghost guns, like those recovered in this case, have become a growing concern for law enforcement. These firearms are assembled from parts and lack serial numbers, making them untraceable. Ghost guns are often purchased online as kits, bypassing traditional background checks.
The Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office emphasized that untraceable firearms pose significant challenges for solving crimes and ensuring public safety. In cases like this one, ghost guns are not only used in criminal activities but are also sold illegally, contributing to the proliferation of dangerous weapons in communities.
Impact of the Case on Public Safety
The September shooting and subsequent investigation highlight the dangers posed by illegal firearms and their connection to violent crimes. Law enforcement agencies across the state have reported a rise in ghost gun seizures in recent years. The unregulated nature of these weapons makes them appealing to individuals who cannot legally own firearms.
Sheriff’s detectives are working to determine whether the weapons seized from Vasquez-Gomez’s home are linked to other crimes. This underscores the importance of cracking down on illegal gun manufacturing and sales to prevent further violence in the community.
Law Enforcement’s Call for Public Cooperation
Authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities related to firearm manufacturing or sales. Community members can provide anonymous tips to local law enforcement agencies or crime prevention hotlines.
This case serves as a reminder of the importance of strict firearm regulations and the need for community cooperation in addressing gun-related crimes.
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