Loaded semi-automatic assault rifle off the streets

Two guns, including a loaded semi-automatic assault rifle, and heroin are off the streets after Santa Cruz County deputies searched a suspicious van on Willowbrook Park in Aptos.

Concerned neighbors reported the van after seeing it parked on Willowbrook Park for several days with people sleeping inside.

Deputies found Ian Macfarland, 32, and Cristina Nikolaou, 28, inside the van along with the loaded semi-automatic assault rifle with a full thirty round magazine. Deputies also found two additional rifle magazines, a camouflage flak jacket, a professional locksmith kit, and heroin. The couple was towing another vehicle, which had an antique handgun and thirteen loaded thirty round magazines along with a large amount of ammunition.

Deputies arrested Macfarland for several weapons charges and narcotics possession. Nikolaou was arrested for narcotics possession. Both were taken to the Santa Cruz County Jail.