Paul Flores, person-of-interest in Kristin Smart case, arrested on weapons charge in Southern California - KSBY San Luis Obispo News

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Paul Flores, a person-of-interest in the disappearance of Cal Poly student Kristin Smart, was arrested on a weapons charge Thursday in Southern California.

The Los Angeles Police Department confirms Flores, who has a home in San Pedro, was arrested in Rancho Palos Verdes around 9:45 a.m. on suspicion of being a felon in possession of a firearm, which is a felony.

Smart was last seen on May 25, 1996, after returning to campus from a fraternity party in San Luis Obispo.

Witnesses said Flores was the last person to be seen with her.

While Flores was named a person-of-interest in the case and faced several lawsuits filed by Kristin's parents over the years, he was never arrested or officially named a suspect.

In February and April of 2020, the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's Office served search warrants at Flores' home in San Pedro but did not release details about what investigators were looking for or whether any evidence in the Smart case was recovered.

On Thursday, the sheriff's office said the arrest was a result of information obtained during those searches. Sheriff's officials declined to comment further on the LAPD investigation.

According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, Flores remained in custody as of 4 p.m. Thursday with bond set at $35,000. A court date is expected to be set in the next few days.