In July of 2023, The Marin County Sheriff's Office Specialized Investigative Unit received information that San Rafael resident Ashwan Wells was in possession of an AR-15 style firearm and a Glock style pistol.  Wells was prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition due to a felony conviction in 2017 for robbery and for threats with intent to terrorize. 

 
On July 13, 2023, SIU Detectives detained Wells during a traffic stop as he drove his vehicle into San Rafael on Highway 580. Wells' 9 month old child was located on the lap of the front passenger of the vehicle, completely unrestrained. 
 
During the search of Wells’ residence, Detectives located a un-serialized, short-barreled AR-15 firearm loaded with .223 ammunition and a loaded 9mm pistol magazine.
 
The AR-15 had a live round in the chamber of the firearm and was in a bag close to the floor where Wells' 9 month old child could have had access to the firearm.
 
Wells was placed under arrest for being a felon in possession of a firearm, felon in possession of ammunition, and being in possession of an illegal assault weapon.
 
Complaint request charges were made to the District Attorney's Office for child endangerment , not having his child in a proper restraint system while driving, and operating a vehicle without a driver's license.