News

Actions

Police: Man buys high-powered rifle in Phoenix, brings it to gang in Mexico

Posted at 2:39 PM, Mar 01, 2017
and last updated 2017-03-01 16:41:24-05

A man is accused of buying a high-powered rifle in Phoenix and giving it to criminal gang in Mexico shortly after.

Police said on Dec. 28, Armando Oliveros bought a .50 caliber barrett rifle from a gunshot in Phoenix. Five hours later, Oliveros allegedly crossed the border with the weapon through San Luis.

According to Mexican officials, the rifle was recovered and taken from the gang member on Jan. 11.

Police were able to trace it back to Oliveros after he allegedly purchased the gun for $10,300.

When confronted by investigators Oliveros reportedly told them that he sold the gun in late January to a man who saw him shooting in the desert but had no bill of sale. He also reportedly told police that he hadn't been to Mexico since Thanksgiving.

Oliveros was arrested on Feb. 23 and has been charged with forgery and weapons misconduct.