A 52-year-old San Diego man earned a 10-year ban on owning firearms after pleading guilty Friday afternoon to making criminal threats and unlawful possession of an assault weapon.
Mario Granillo got into an argument with another man over speakers while they were standing next to Granillo’s vehicle Oct. 24 in the Southcrest neighborhood, San Diego City Attorney Mara W. Elliott said in a news release Saturday.
The two men scuffled, and Granillo threatened to shoot the other man, Elliott said. During the struggle Granillo’s loaded AR-style pistol fell from the car.
The victim pinned Granillo to the ground until police arrived, the city attorney said. Police recovered the gun, which had no serial number, from the gutter beside the car and took Granillo into custody.
“Mr. Granillo demonstrated a clear lack of concern for human life by carrying an assault weapon and threatening to use it against the victim,” Elliott said. “The fact he cannot legally own firearms for the next decade — and will be subject to police searches at any time — should come as a relief to all San Diegans.”
Granillo was sentenced to time served and probation and was required to forfeit his pistol.
The court also required him to get treatment for mental health and/or substance abuse issues, to stay away from the victim and to allow authorities to search him and his property at any time and without a warrant.
