Columbus Police Department officers seized an AR-15-style weapon with a high-capacity magazine from a 16-year-old Tuesday night, according to a CPD press release.
Officers with CPD’s Violent Immediate Police Emergency Response team were patrolling an area near 16th Street North and Ninth Avenue North after receiving complaints from citizens about possible criminal activity.
When officers approached a group of five people, the 16-year-old took off running. Officers caught him and found the weapon, which had an 80-round high-capacity magazine.
The suspect’s name is not being released due to the fact that he is a minor. He is charged with being a minor in possession of a firearm, which is a misdemeanor, according to Public Information Officer Johannah Owusu.
Owusu told The Dispatch Wednesday that police weren’t sure where the juvenile got the gun, but it did not show up as stolen when the serial number was run on the National Crime Information Center database.
Chief Joseph Daughtry said police are cracking down on violent crimes.
“We know where the high crime areas are, and we are coming for the criminals,” he said in the press release. “The days of criminals victimizing citizens are ending.”
CPD asks anyone concerned with crime in a particular area to call 911 or use the P3 smartphone app. Tips are anonymous, and tips that lead to an arrest may be eligible for a cash reward.
Brian Jones is the local government reporter for Columbus and Lowndes County.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 35 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 35 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
Join the Discussion