BALTIMORE — Police said they confiscated 20 “ghost guns” being assembled at a home in southeast Baltimore, and arrested a 49-year-old man yesterday who’s accused of using a 3D printer to build the untraceable weapons.
It is part of what BPD Commissioner Michael Harrison calls an “exponential rise in “ghost gun” recoveries in the city, from nine in 2018 and 477 in 2018. Polymer80, Inc., the major “ghost gun manufacturer”, was sued by the city in June.
Baltimore Police SWAT teams descended on Rose Street House, off Orleans Street, in this latest case at 4:40 PM Dec. 29. A social media post prompted the investigation.
Photos taken of items confiscated include a Christmas tree with items related to “ghost guns” and other weapons.
Baltimore Police Department
Kevin Wallace, who is a “extensive criminal history,” according to police, and six previous convictions that prohibit him from owning guns, was taken into custody on the spot.
Baltimore Police Department
Police found out that he was using the 3D printer to create “ghost weapons.” SWAT officers seized about 20 Polymer80 handguns in various stages of assembly, AR-style pistols, Glock and Smith & Wesson slide assemblies, two rifles and BB guns. They also took the 3D printer along with related items including ammunition, memory cards, and other manufacturing equipment.
Baltimore Police Department
Harrison stated in a statement that these guns are “extremely difficult to trace and hard to tie to murders, and they have no place within our city… We must continue working with Polymer80 to ensure that there is no market for untraceable and easy-to-obtain weaponry. Baltimore will see a decrease in violent crime if more guns are kept out of reach of those who don’t need them. This is a truly hopeful way to end 2022.”
Mayor Brandon Scott said also:
“Ghost guns have created far too much chaos and heartache in communities across this city and throughout our nation.”
Metro Crime Stoppers tipline at 1-866-7LOCKUP is available for anyone with information regarding illegal guns and crimes. Metro Crime Stoppers may also be reached online at the MCS website to submit anonymous text tips.
