Long Island authorities have taken into custody a 30-year-old man from Port Jefferson on charges related to the possession of so-called "ghost guns," crude firearms made significantly through the use of 3D printers. As reported by ABC7NY, Tyler Schmalenberger now faces a legal battle after officers conducted a search at his residence following a complaint by an individual who claimed Schmalenberger pointed a handgun-like object at them last Friday.
The accusations against Schmalenberger, as described by the Daily Voice Port Jefferson, include menacing in the second degree and criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree. The police reportedly responded to a tip about a menacing incident which led them to swiftly conduct a search of Schmalenberger's home, where they discovered an array of 3D-printed firearm parts—parts capable to serve as the foundation for creating untraceable firearms right there in a residential neighborhood.
Specifically, officers from the Sixth Precinct Investigative Unit found multiple firearm receivers and other gun components, amongst them, "a complete parts kit, two 3D-printed long-gun receivers, a magazine, a Glock-style spring kit, and AR components," according to a statement obtained by Daily Voice Port Jefferson. These elements highlight the evolving challenge law enforcement faces in tackling gun-related crimes, especially with the emergence of technology that can seemingly produce weapons in the quiet of someone’s home.
Following the search and seizures, Schmalenberger was not taken into custody and was instead given a Desk Appearance Ticket. He is scheduled to be arraigned at a later date. As 3D-printing technology becomes more accessible, cases involving these tools may become more common and present new challenges for law enforcement and policymakers.
