FRESNO - On Sunday, September 30, 2018, just before midnight, the Southwest Special Response Team (SRT) received a ShotSpotter activation in the in area of Kern Street and Freeway 99. SRT officers arrived in the area within a minute and began canvassing for suspects.
While searching the immediate area in which the ShotSpotter system indicated the shots were fired officers’ contacted 40-year-old Fresno resident Juan Romo-Bais.
Upon contact with Romo-Bais officers observed five self-fabricated zip guns lying within arm’s reach. Officers were able to safely take Romo-Bais into custody without incident. After a more thorough search of his belongings officers located a total of six loaded, self-fabricated zip guns.
Five of the six were manufactured to hold and discharge .22 caliber ammunition and one was manufactured to hold and discharge 12 gauge shotgun ammunition. In addition, officers located a loaded .22 caliber revolver cylinder.
Romo-Bais admitted to fabricating and possessing the zip guns. He was subsequently booked into the Fresno County Jail for several felony weapons charges.
