Tuscaloosa Police, FBI Operation Results In 172 Arrests, 22 Illegal Guns Seized

TUSCALOOSA, AL — A joint enforcement operation between the Tuscaloosa Police Department (TPD) and the FBI Birmingham Field Office resulted in 172 arrests, the seizure of 22 illegal firearms and the confiscation of more than $15,000 in cash.

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The arrests and seizures occurred during a seven-week effort targeting violent crime and repeat offenders.

TPD said in a press release that the operation ran from March 23 through May 12 and focused on reducing violent crime, removing illegal firearms from the streets and locating wanted offenders.

The initiative was driven by daily analyses of calls for service, officer activity and crime trends.

TPD went on to say law enforcement personnel held regular meetings throughout the operation to identify emerging issues, track individuals suspected of criminal activity and determine where targeted enforcement efforts could have the greatest impact.

“Our main goals were to remove illegal guns and violent offenders from the streets and to help prevent criminal activities that pose a threat to public safety,” Tuscaloosa Police Chief Michael Baygents said in a statement.

During the operation, TPD said officers conducted 239 traffic stops and arrested 172 people on a variety of charges.

Authorities also confiscated 22 illegal firearms and seized $15,153 in cash.

Officials said that among the firearms recovered were two handguns equipped with Glock switches, devices that convert semi-automatic pistols into fully automatic weapons.

The Glock switch cases will be prosecuted in federal court and could carry significant prison sentences if convictions are obtained.

"The FBI collaborates with law enforcement partners to crush violent crime and defend the homeland," FBI Birmingham Special Agent in Charge David R. Fitzgibbons said. "Partnerships with our local law enforcement partners are key to removing violent offenders and keeping our streets safer. This operation is a reflection of our deep commitment and unwavering dedication to creating a safer community for everyone."

TPD said many of the arrests involved individuals who were wanted for failing to appear in court on charges that included armed robbery, attempted murder and shooting into occupied dwellings.

Additional arrests stemmed from investigations involving illegal firearms, drug offenses and repeat criminal activity.

Baygents said the operation reflects the department's continued focus on public safety.

“Every illegal gun recovered, every warrant served and every case made is part of the larger effort to keep Tuscaloosa safe,” he said.

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