2 arrested after mushroom gummies given to children on Halloween in Ocean Beach

San Diego police arrested two men on Wednesday after a search warrant at a Sunset Cliffs Boulevard home uncovered more than 2.5 pounds of cannabis, a small cache of crystal meth, two firearms and, most strikingly, a bag of gummies that appeared to be infused with psilocybin mushrooms. The discovery follows frantic calls from parents on Halloween who found the oddly packaged treats in their children’s candy bags.

Frank Cary, whose two‑year‑old snagged one of the gummies, described the moment as "pretty jarring, pretty shocking." He said the wrapper bore a giraffe image and a dosage label of five grams, with the words “psilocybin mushrooms” printed on the front. Another parent, Cameron Hunter, filmed the encounter and confronted a woman at the house, noting that the bowl of candy‑like items had been left on the porch as if it were a traditional trick‑or‑treat stop.

The police operation, part of an ongoing narcotics and child‑endangerment investigation, led to the seizure of the suspected mushroom gummies and a trove of other contraband. Michael Goff, 80, was booked for felon‑in‑possession of a firearm; Shawn Michael Foster, 45, faced the same firearm charge plus ammunition. Investigators also recovered more than 25 grams of crystal methamphetamine, suggesting the residence may have served as a broader distribution hub rather than a one‑off prank.

Despite the dramatic finds, authorities have not yet confirmed the chemical composition of the gummies. The homeowner, Shawn Barger, denied any involvement, claiming the expensive‑looking packages were not his and that the house rarely receives visitors, even on Halloween, because of its “witch‑house” reputation. This denial leaves a key question unanswered: who placed the gummies on the porch and whether they truly contained psilocybin.

The case underscores a growing challenge for law enforcement as psychedelic edibles enter the illicit market, especially when they masquerade as ordinary candy. Community members, shocked but reassured by the swift police response, worry about the broader implications for neighborhood safety and the potential for similar incidents as novel drug forms become more accessible.