December 12, 2024 4:50 p.m.
Detectives with the Douglas Interagency Narcotics Team brought a months-long investigation to a close on Wednesday evening.
DINT Commander Lieutenant Rick McArthur said the investigation began in October when it was alleged that 35-year-old David Ralston was illegally possessing, producing and selling firearms from his residence in the 400 block of Division Street in Drain. McArthur said over the course of the following several weeks, detectives obtained evidence of Ralston’s alleged illegal gun sales. In November, detectives seized an un-serialized AR-15 style rifle alleged to have been produced and sold by Ralston. McArthur said this month, detectives obtained information alleging Ralston had created an un-serialized Glock style handgun, which was ready to be purchased by a prospective buyer.
McArthur said producing and selling un-serialized firearms is illegal in Oregon. It is also unlawful to circumvent the background check process, as well as other similar violations. In addition, Ralston has been convicted of multiple felonies in the past which prohibits him from possessing firearms.
Wednesday afternoon at approximately 12:40 p.m. Ralston was contacted during a traffic stop conducted by a deputy with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office. Ralston was taken into custody without incident.
McArthur said DINT detectives immediately executed a search warrant on Ralston’s residence in the 400 block of Division Street in Drain. During the search, detectives reportedly found the previously mentioned un-serialized Glock style handgun that was ready for sale, along with 19 other partially complete un-serialized firearms, as well as the equipment used to produce the firearms. Detectives also allegedly 2 fully functioning factory-made firearms.
In addition, detectives reportedly located .9 grams of suspected methamphetamine and .1 grams of suspected DMT.
McArthur said Ralson was detained on 31 charges:
*4 counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm
*21 counts of unlawful possession of a firearm
*2 counts of unlawful manufacture, import or sale of firearms
*Unlawful possession of a schedule I controlled substance
*Unlawful possession of methamphetamine
After arraignment, Ralston was detained on $15,000 bail.