Watch CBS News

"Zip gun" found by Placer County deputies after pulling over convicted felon

CBS News Live
CBS News Sacramento Live

COLFAX – A convicted felon was found driving with an improvised firearm in Placer County, deputies say.

The Placer County Sheriff's Office says, back on Jan. 20, a deputy pulled over a pickup truck that had expired tags in Colfax. Laura Massey, a 38-year-old convicted felon, was identified as the driver.

Shortly into the traffic stop, the deputy says Massey admitted to having a hidden firearm.

zip-gun-placer-co.jpg
The "zip gun" seized by deputies. Placer County Sheriff's Office

The weapon, a "zip gun," was found under her arm. Five .22-caliber rounds were also discovered, the sheriff's office says.

Massey was arrested and is facing charges related to possession of a firearm, along with two other misdemeanors.

Commonly known as "zip guns," the sheriff's office notes that improvised firearms aren't always immediately recognizable as a weapon but are potentially deadly nonetheless. 

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.