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Cowlitz County sheriff's deputies seized more than 400 guns from a man who allegedly had 50 guns stolen from him. The man has felony charges and cannot legally possess the firearms.

(Cowlitz County Sheriff's Office)

Cowlitz County deputies on Wednesday seized more than 400 illegally possessed firearms from a man who had 50 guns allegedly stolen from him, sheriff's officials said.

Eight people were arrested on suspicion of stealing the 50 guns, Chief Criminal Deputy Charlie Rosenzweig said.

Skylar Smith, 19, Justin C. Gillman, 19, Mycah U. Mendoza, 18, and five juvenile boys were arrested and charged with various crimes related to gun theft. Those who are at least 18 years old were booked into the Cowlitz County Jail.

Deputies say the teens stole the guns from an unnamed victim in his 80s. They sold many of the guns, pawned some and destroyed others, Rosenzweig said. The teens also allegedly stole watches and knives, Rosenzweig said.

During the investigation, deputies learned the victim had previous felony convictions and could not legally possess guns. He had close to 400 on his property, some of which appeared to be homemade, Rosenzweig said. Deputies seized the guns.

The victim could be charged with unlawful possession of firearms, Rosenzweig said.

The guns appeared to be a collection and nothing indicates the victim had any plans for criminal use of the guns, Rosenzweig said.

Because deputies are still investigating, the name of the victim and where the guns were seized will not be released, Rosenzweig said.

Deputies are searching for other suspects, he said. Anyone with information about the case is asked to call the Cowlitz County Sheriff's Office at 360-577-3092 and speak to Deputy Riley McNeal.

-- Samantha Matsumoto