Uncovering a Dangerous Cache: Durham Police Seize Stolen Guns and Apprehend Suspects

In a dramatic turn of events, Durham police officers have detained nine individuals, including five juveniles, and seized nine handguns after a stolen-car investigation led them to a hotel on Tuesday. The chain of events began when officers spotted a stolen vehicle in the parking lot of a hotel, which had been involved in a hit-and-run crash where shots were fired.

Uncovering a Troubling Trend: Stolen Vehicles and Illegal Firearms

Staking Out the Hotel

Officers quickly sprang into action, staking out the hotel parking lot and linking a specific hotel room to the suspects. With a search warrant in hand, they entered the room and detained four adults and four juveniles, as well as a fifth juvenile outside the room. The search yielded a startling discovery: nine handguns, including two that had been reported stolen. As an added twist, the officers also found another stolen vehicle nearby.

Charges and Consequences

The investigation has led to charges against two of the adults, Maurice Keys, 19, and Jahquez Brown, 20, who were charged with possession of a firearm by a felon and four counts each of contributing to the delinquency of a minor. The other adults face pending charges as well. Three of the juveniles were taken to the Department of Juvenile Justice on previous existing secure custody orders, while a fourth minor was served with a failure to appear petition. Charges are still pending against the remaining youth.

Seeking Public Assistance

The Durham Police Department is urging the public to come forward with any additional information about this case. Corporal M. Henderson can be contacted at (919) 560-4440 ext. 29357, and tips can also be submitted anonymously through CrimeStoppers, which offers cash rewards of up to $2,000 for information leading to arrests in felony cases.

Addressing the Broader Issue

This incident highlights the ongoing challenge of addressing the intertwined problems of stolen vehicles and illegal firearms in the community. The Durham Police Department's swift action in this case has prevented further potential harm, but the underlying issues remain a concern. Continued vigilance, community engagement, and comprehensive strategies will be crucial in addressing these complex public safety concerns.