The Springfield Police Department’s Firearms Investigation Unit (FIU) has seized multiple illegal firearms and arrested several individuals following a 30-hour operation involving local, state, and federal agencies.
According to the Springfield Police Department's Facebook post, on Friday last week, FIU detectives arrested 33-year-old Michael Pinkney outside an apartment on Fort Pleasant Avenue after a months-long investigation into suspected drug distribution. Police say Pinkney was found in possession of approximately 90 bags of heroin. During the operation, authorities also arrested three additional individuals and seized two ghost guns, cocaine, a stun gun, and over $2,200 in cash.
Searches of two apartments led to the recovery of eight illegal firearms, including a ghost gun modified with a Glock switch to function as a fully automatic machine gun loaded with 17 rounds. Other recovered weapons included a rifle capable of holding 40 rounds, a handgun with 18 rounds, and a firearm reported stolen from Pennsylvania. Additional drugs and cash were also seized.
The investigation resulted in the arrests of 28-year-old Mercedes Wright, 26-year-old Stephanie Peluyera, and one juvenile male. Across three separate investigations during the 30-hour period, law enforcement recovered 11 illegal firearms, including a 50-round drum magazine, various types of ammunition, and illegal substances.
Michael Pinkney faces multiple charges, including possession of a machine gun, possession of a loaded machine gun, several counts of illegal firearm possession, and possession with intent to distribute a Class A drug. Wright and Peluyera face charges related to firearms and drug possession. The identity and charges for the juvenile suspect have not been released due to legal restrictions.
