Central Oregon Team Seizes 69 Ghost Guns in Bend
Authorities recovered unserialized firearms and manufacturing tools from a residence on Winnebago Lane.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Drug Crime
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The Central Oregon Drug Enforcement Team seized 69 ghost guns, including automatic firearms and short-barrel rifles, from a South Bend residence. Investigators identified the suspect during an inquiry into the production and sale of unserialized weapons.
Why it matters
The recovery of 69 weapons addresses the illicit manufacturing and sale of unserialized firearms in the area. Law enforcement officials are now moving forward with the legal process to hold the identified manufacturer accountable for the illegal operation.
The investigation into 66-year-old Eric Testerman has been turned over to the Deschutes County grand jury for potential criminal charges. No arrests have been made at this time.
The players
Central Oregon Drug Enforcement Team
This multi-jurisdictional law enforcement group is responsible for investigating narcotics and firearm-related criminal activity in the region.
Eric Testerman
The 66-year-old suspect is alleged to be the manufacturer and seller of the seized ghost guns.
Deschutes County grand jury
This judicial body will review the evidence provided by investigators to determine if formal criminal charges should be filed against the suspect.
The details
Detectives executed a search at the Winnebago Lane property, where they discovered both finished ghost guns and the specific tools used for their manufacturing. The operation began following an investigation that started in October regarding the illicit sale of these untraceable weapons.
Timeline
The investigation into the manufacture of ghost guns began in October 2026.
The Central Oregon Drug Enforcement Team seized the 69 firearms on October 22, 2026.
Legal Context
The seizure follows a nationwide crackdown on ghost guns, a trend shaped by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives' 2022 Final Rule on Definition of 'Frame or Receiver' which reclassified kits as firearms. This operation represents a localized effort to enforce these federal standards against the production of untraceable weapons.
The removal of 69 illegal firearms from a local residence aims to enhance community safety by preventing these weapons from entering the streets. Residents in the South Bend area are advised to remain vigilant and report suspicious manufacturing activities to the proper authorities.
The takeaway
Ghost guns remain a major focus for law enforcement agencies attempting to curtail the circulation of untraceable weapons. Community members should understand that the presence of manufacturing tools in residential settings is a primary indicator of illegal firearm assembly operations.
Further reading
For more information on regional enforcement efforts, see Bend drug-crime.
Live Poll
Do you believe stricter regulations on manufacturing ghost guns would make your community safer?
