By Andres Gutierrez
September 6, 2024 / 6:35 PM EDT / CBS Detroit
(CBS DETROIT) A raid at the house in Detroit may have stopped several so-called ghost guns from hitting the streets after uncovering an illegal 3D-printed gun operation.
The operation was the result of a joint investigation between the Detroit Police Department and Homeland Security after they intercepted a package from China containing a Glock switch, a device that converts a handgun into a fully automatic weapon.
Cmdr. Ryan Connor from the Detroit Police Department’s Organized Crime Unit revealed that authorities supervised the delivery of a package to a residence at 20161 Algin Street and then executed a search warrant there on Wednesday.
Neighbor Cheron Barton witnessed the entire operation right outside her doorstep.
“I saw a huge black police truck, a police cruiser, and about three undercover vehicles. I noticed they were removing a bunch of items from the house,” Barton described.
The DPD issued a statement on Thursday night showing the contents discovered within the premises.
“Approximately 12 handgun lowers, and five rifle lowers, that’s the lower portion of a handgun, were recovered. Also a 3D-printed Glock switch was recovered, along with other tools used in the manufacturing of these devices,” Connor mentioned.
While owning 3D printers is legal, using them to manufacture and sell firearms, as suspected in this case, is illegal.
In relation to this case, police detained a 14-year-old who now faces serious weapons charges.
“It’s alarming for everyone. At such a young age, can they distinguish between right and wrong? What are their plans for these weapons? Do they possess the necessary maturity? We have numerous concerns regarding these crimes,” Connor elaborated.
Because Homeland Security is involved, this teenager is likely to face federal charges soon.
“I don’t allow my kids around that type of stuff. So had I known that my kids would never even, you know, been with them,” Barton said.
Andres Gutierrez joined CBS News Detroit in September 2022. He comes from KSHB-TV in Kansas City, Missouri, serving as a general assignment reporter and fill-in anchor.
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