Apparent owner-operator arrested with guns, ammunition outside White House lawn

An apparent owner-operator was arrested outside of the White House on Friday after officers discovered illegal guns and ammunition inside of his pickup. 

Santiago V. Macias was taken into custody on Friday, January 22nd just south of the White House in Washington D.C. 

According to NBC Washington, Macias approached a D.C. police officer at around 11:50 a.m. and requested information about the Oval Office, as well as information on where to park. During the interaction, the officer noticed a gun holster on the dashboard of the pickup and asked Macias if he was in possession of a firearm – Macias said yes. 

NEW: 37-year-old man arrested near White House for having gun in his car and loaded magazine. Per police report: Man said he “needed information about the Oval Office” pic.twitter.com/FGeMOWr4Yb

— Scott MacFarlane (@MacFarlaneNews) January 24, 2021

The officer then called for backup and searched the pickup, where he found a Smith & Wesson 0.40 caliber pistol tucked between the driver’s seat and center console, as well as some ammunition. Macias then disclosed that he spoke little english, so a translator was provided.  

Macias was arrested on charges of unlawful possession of a firearm, unregistered ammunition and unlawful transport of a firearm. According to records, Macias appears to own Macias Trucking out of Midland, Texas, reports the Midland Reporter-Telegram. It is not clear if this authority is active.