Crime & Safety
Alleged Gunmaker Arrested in North Hollywood
Police find assault rifles at the home of a man suspected of another crime.
Detectives searching the North Hollywood home of a Department of Water and Power carpenter suspected of stealing lumber found 18 assault weapons and a grenade launcher, police said Wednesday. 6600 block of irvine
John Joseph Hunten, 45, was arrested on suspicion of manufacturing and possessing the weapons, Los Angeles Police Department Officer Christopher No said. He resides in the 6600 block of Irvine Avenue, No added.
Hunten is being held on $500,000 bail at Men's Central Jail. He is scheduled to be arraigned Feb. 26.
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Hollywood Division detectives began the search Friday at 2:30 p.m. looking for the contraband lumber, but also discovered the weapons.
No said he did not know what Hunten was doing with the weapons.
Find out what's happening in North Hollywood-Toluca Lakewith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Security services received a tip a couple of weeks ago regarding possible thefts of building materials, MaryAnne Pierson of the DWP said.
Pierson did not name the suspect and said she was "prohibited by law from discussing any potential disciplinary actions and matters pertaining to a specific employee."
Hunten did not have contact with the public, Pierson said.
