5 arrested after police seize 12 guns, ammo, body armor during traffic stop
Photo credit Michigan State Police Officers working the Secure Cities Partnership in Benton Harbor arrested 5 people during a traffic stop and seized a dozen guns. Investigators say they believe the suspects are responsible for 10 or more retaliation shootings.
Michigan State Police troopers working the SCP detail were headed to the River Terrace Apartments to assist with a disturbance call Thursday evening around 9:30 p.m.
While on their way, a description of the suspect vehicle was broadcast. Troopers located the vehicle on Colfax Avenue and conducted a traffic stop for not having electronic verified insurance, reports said.
The driver had a pistol sitting in plain view on his lap and several other guns were in plain view inside the vehicle, reports said.
The driver told police he had a carry concealed pistol license and said the guns belonged to him, reports said.
Troopers found 8 pistols, four long guns, extended magazines, ammunition and body armor in the vehicle, reports said.
The driver had a valid license for a CPL but only one gun was registered to him.
He was taken into custody on preliminary charges for having a loaded long gun and possession of body armor while in commission of a felony. reports said. The four passengers were taken into custody on preliminary charges related to carrying a concealed weapon and felon in possession of firearms.
The names of the suspects are being withheld pending arraignment.
Troopers say they had intelligence there was going to be a shooting that night. The suspects that were arrested are believed to be responsible for 10 or more retaliation shootings, report said.
One of the weapons appears to match ballistic evidence recovered from an open homicide investigation and other reported shootings, reports said.
Troopers say they likely prevented a shooting Thursday evening. They believe the group is responsible for shooting up five houses and hitting/injuring 6 people since July 21, reports said.