Shreveport Police Seize 60 Weapons in Gun Crime Crackdown

News Summary

The Shreveport Police Department has intensified efforts to combat gun crimes, leading to the seizure of 60 firearms during a recent investigation. Following an encounter that escalated into a foot chase, authorities apprehended a suspect who discarded a weapon and discovered several firearms in his home. With a total of 993 weapons seized this year, police remain committed to enhancing community safety and reducing violence. The crackdown has also led to multiple arrests on related drug and firearm charges.

Shreveport Police Crack Down on Gun Crimes, Seize 60 Weapons

It’s been a busy week for the Shreveport Police Department as they ramp up their efforts to tackle gun crimes in the community. On October 28, 2024, an encounter in south Shreveport led to a dramatic foot chase and the seizure of firearms in an ongoing crackdown aimed at enhancing public safety.

The Chase Begins

Officers were conducting an interaction with several individuals in the 9200 block of Biddle Street when things took a wild turn. One suspect, hoping to outrun the police, dashed out of sight but not before discarding a weapon along the way. In this high-stakes chase, 29-year-old Gunner Hendrix was apprehended. He now faces serious charges for possession of firearms and for manufacturing or distributing Schedule I drugs.

A Deeper Investigation

Police followed up by searching Hendrix’s vehicle, where they stumbled across vials of THC. This discovery opened the door for a search warrant at his home located at 706 Woodvale Street. What the police found next was nothing short of alarming. Bursting with several firearms, the residence boasted approximately 60 weapons, including:

13 shotguns
20 rifles

Not just that, but officers also discovered a body armor vest and materials used to modify semi-automatic weapons into automatic firearms. This is concerning news for anyone worried about gun violence in the area, as Shreveport Police Chief Wayne Smith noted that while some might argue that certain firearms have legitimate uses for sport or protection, many are purely designed to inflict harm.

A Year of Seizures

Believe it or not, 2024 is shaping up to be a significant year for firearm seizures by the Shreveport Police Department. The recent bust brings the total to a staggering 993 weapons taken off the streets this year alone. Community safety is clearly at the forefront of the department’s agenda, with Chief Smith emphasizing that these actions help save lives.

A Criminal Background

It’s worth mentioning that Gunner Hendrix isn’t new to legal troubles. His history includes arrests related to illegal weapon possession and marijuana. As is standard procedure, any weapons seized will be destroyed once the legal processes have been completed. Meanwhile, investigations continue, powered by a partnership between the Shreveport Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.

More Arrests on the Same Day

The day wasn’t over yet. Later on October 28, police also apprehended 23-year-old Reginald Alexander for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon at the Stone Vista Apartments. In a concerning twist, a 17-year-old was also caught in the same location with an unlawful firearm. Clearly, the stakes are high, and the police are not holding back.

Continuing Commitment to Community Safety

As the week progressed, the Shreveport Police made several more arrests tied to firearms and drug charges. Notable among them:

Vernon Wynn, 29, charged with narcotics possession and illegal firearm possession.
Derek Walton, 48, arrested as a felon in possession of a firearm and for having a firearm with an obliterated serial number.
Chadrick Hudson, 30, who was already a fugitive, was caught owing firearms and narcotics possession charges.

As Shreveport faces these challenges, the police remain steadfast in their commitment to taking firearms away from prohibited individuals, aiming to reduce violent crime in the neighborhood. Every weapon seized is a step toward making Shreveport a safer place for everyone.