Chief Jerry Dyer says officers lives have been threatened for the past couple weeks. It all stems from an officer involved shooting several months ago.
Nearly a dozen assault rifles, shotguns and pistols, some with large magazines, are off the streets and out of the hands of alleged gang members. Fresno Police cracked down after receiving threats on their lives and learning the suspects had the guns to back it up.
“We believe these firearms could have been used against our officers and we also believe these firearms have been used in other shootings in
Dyer says investigators got tips where suspects were hiding the weapons and served several search warrants last week.
On W. Kaviland, police arrested Goodwin and seized six guns. On E. Terrace they found three firearms, including a Thompson semi-automatic. One resident saw the officers on her street.
“I got surprised because it's been really quiet here. No one has bothered me or my sister,” said a woman who wanted to remain anonymous.
Officers are still looking for 42-year-old Kevin Maddox, an alleged gang member. He's wanted on three counts of being an ex-felon in possession of a gun.
“We want him off the streets as quickly as we can get him off the streets because we do know he has a great deal of influence,” said Dyer.
With the guns in police custody, Dyer believes threats against officers have been minimized. Police will continue taking precautionary steps to ensure their safety out on patrol. If you have any information on Maddox, call Crimestoppers at 498-STOP.