Illegal gun operation found during Visalia auto theft probe, police say

VISALIA, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – A search for one auto theft suspect led to three arrests after Visalia Police say they uncovered illegal firearm manufacturing.

Officers say they responded to a home in the 4000 block of South Rova Street around 9:30 a.m. Friday to locate a wanted suspect.

As officers arrived on scene, they say another person familiar to law enforcement fled into the home, prompting them to secure the area and begin a full search.

During the search, officers say they uncovered several firearms and evidence pointing to illegal firearm manufacturing.

Police say a second suspect was eventually found hiding in the attic. He refused to surrender, so officers say they had to use non-lethal tactics to apprehend him.

In total, police say three people were taken into custody on outstanding felony warrants and weapons-related charges: 33-year-old Austin Clark Langford, 24-year-old Dayna Marie Towery, and 35-year-old Justin Joseph Edwards, all of Visalia.