Police Make 20 Arrests, Seize 16 Pounds Of Pot, Issue 242 Citations In East Side Gas Station Raids
DETROIT (WWJ) - Police say operation "Safe Pump" -- an organized raid of gas stations in Detroit -- was a success, with 20 suspects, nearly 16 pounds of marijuana and 21 illegal weapons taken off the streets.
On Friday, a group of uniformed and plain clothed officers targeted specific communities in the Ninth Precinct and gas stations on the city's east side.
Officers focused on areas identified as having the majority of the precinct's problematic gas stations and approximately 70 pending warrants. In an effort to reduce crime in these areas, a zero tolerance patrol enforcement was evoked.
Gas stations located were checked and inspected for blight, loitering, narcotic activity and related violations. Warrant sweeps were conducted in the communities and arrests were made on individuals having outstanding warrants. Traffic enforcement was also heavily enforced throughout the neighborhoods.
As a result of the operation, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, police made 20 arrests, issued 242 citations, detained 2 juveniles, seized 7084.9 grams of suspected marijuana, recovered 21 illegal weapons (5 assault rifles, 2 long guns, 14 handguns), impounded 26 vehicles and seized $2,633 in cash.
"As promised, our goal is and continues to be to provide a safe environment in which all good neighbors can live," police said in a statement. "Residents should not have to feel unsafe in their homes or patronizing gas stations or businesses. We will continue our efforts until the criminal element, which has been afflicting our communities and reduce the overall fear of crime within our communities."