San Jose Teen Charged After 3D-Printing Ghost Gun Arsenal in Bedroom

San Jose, California — February 27, 2026

Police and prosecutors moved fast after discovering a home-based operation turning out untraceable firearms.

An 18-year-old San Jose resident now faces felony charges for allegedly manufacturing 27 ghost guns right in his bedroom.

Background Ghost guns—firearms assembled from kits or 3D-printed parts without serial numbers—have surged in California crimes. Law enforcement has cracked down hard, seizing hundreds statewide in recent years. San Jose police regularly recover these weapons in traffic stops and investigations.

What Happened Officers executed a search warrant at the teen's home earlier this week. They found multiple 3D printers actively producing gun components, along with finished firearms and parts for more. The district attorney's office charged Jacob Reyes with possession and manufacturing of undetectable firearms. Authorities described the setup as sophisticated for a private residence.

The teen appeared in court shortly after booking. Bail was set high pending further hearings.

Why It Matters These weapons evade traditional background checks and tracing. A single home operation like this can feed illegal markets quickly, raising risks for officers and residents during encounters. One unserialized gun recovered in a crime can complicate prosecutions significantly.

Local schools and neighborhoods stay on edge when such discoveries hit close to home.

Official Response The Santa Clara County District Attorney emphasized zero tolerance for ghost gun production. Officials said the case underscores the need for continued vigilance and technology to detect these operations early. San Jose police highlighted community tips that helped trigger the warrant.

Broader Context or Industry Impact 3D-printing technology keeps advancing, making home manufacturing easier and cheaper. Federal and state laws have tightened around kits and parts, but enforcement challenges persist. Similar busts occurred recently in other Bay Area cities, showing the issue spreads beyond San Jose.

Gun safety advocates point to these cases when pushing for stricter controls on printers and materials.

What Happens Next The defendant faces multiple felony counts that could lead to years in prison if convicted. Prosecutors plan to pursue full penalties. Police continue examining devices and potential networks for distribution.

San Jose authorities urged anyone with information on similar activities to contact them anonymously.