Huntsville gun-violence operation nets 19 firearms and nine arrests in three days
The Huntsville Police Department announced on October 22 that its Anti-Crime Team, working with local, state and federal law enforcement partners, conducted a three-day operation targeting gun violence from October 16 to 18, recovering 19 firearms and arresting nine people. The operation focused on increasing patrol visibility and recovering illegally possessed firearms before they could be used in violent crimes.
According to the City of Huntsville, three of the 19 firearms had devices or modifications designed to allow automatic fire, and two were confirmed stolen. Participating agencies included the North Alabama Multi-Agency Crime Center, the North Alabama Drug Task Force, HPD's K-9 Unit and Unmanned Aircraft Systems Unit, the Owens Cross Roads Police Department, the Madison County Sheriff's Office, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
The nine arrestees ranged in age from 17 to 24, with charges including possession of a machine gun conversion device, felony attempting to elude and prohibited possession of a firearm. Maurice Hewlett Jr., 18, of Huntsville was arrested on October 16 following a traffic stop and charged with two counts of possession of a machine gun conversion device; Laron Coley, 24, was found with an AK-style pistol and charged as a person prohibited from possessing a firearm because of pending violent felony charges. Police said several cases remain under investigation and additional federal charges may be considered. Police Chief Kirk Giles said officers are not waiting for gun violence to happen before taking action and will continue proactive patrols with partner agencies to keep firearms out of the hands of prohibited persons.
Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 亨茨维尔市中心实景。摄影：Carol M. Highsmith，公共领域，来源：Wikimedia Commons
