BLACKSBURG, Va. -- Police have arrested a Virginia Tech freshman who they say was illegally in possession of multiple assault rifles.
Yungsong Zhao, 19, was arrested Monday and charged with possessing an assault rifle firearm while not being a lawfully admitted U.S. citizen, which is a class 6 felony, according to arrest warrants obtained by WDBJ7.
Zhao is a Chinese immigrant in the U.S. under a VISA.
Yungsong Zhao
According to the warrants, on January 22, police received reports Zhao purchased a PMAG rifle with a 30-round magazine. The ammunition is illegal under Zhao’s VISA status.
Investigators also received a report on January 25 that the Virginia Tech freshman purchased an AR-15 assault rifle. The student then checked the assault rifle into the student gun locker at the Virginia Tech Public Safety Building.
According to the warrants, Zhao also checked out a Bushmaster XM 15 assault rifle from the locker.
Detectives also observed Zhao shooting a .223 caliber weapon with a 30-round magazine at Jefferson National Forest's firing range.
Police searched Zhao's dorm in Cochrane Hall and his 2011 Crown Victoria sedan, according to arrest warrants.
Zhao is currently being held at the Montgomery County Jail without bail.
His next court appearance is scheduled for March 1.
