State agents say an 18-year-old from Philadelphia was caught in the middle of a homegrown gun operation, with a 3D printer humming away as they came through the door. The teen was arrested after investigators allegedly found multiple untraceable firearm parts that they say he was offering for sale. He remains behind bars while prosecutors and the Attorney General's gun task force track where those printed weapons may have gone.
Agents Say They Walked In On Active 3D Gun Printing
According to a press release from the PA Office of Attorney General, agents with the Office of Attorney General Gun Violence Task Force served a search warrant at an apartment in the 6300 block of Chew Avenue and "interrupted an active firearms printing session." Inside, investigators reported seizing nine 3-D printed handgun lowers, a fully assembled firearm, three 3-D printers and other gear tied to homemade gun manufacturing.
Social Media Boasts Allegedly Tipped Off Investigators
Authorities say the case started online. Law enforcement officials allege the teen posted about having weapons available and appeared in social media images with firearms, even though they say he is a convicted felon who is not allowed to possess guns. As reported by NBC10 Philadelphia, the 18-year-old is being held on $500,000 bail along with a probation detainer, and the case is slated to be prosecuted by the office of District Attorney Larry Krasner.
Why Ghost Guns Have Cops On Edge
Print-at-home gun parts are a growing headache for law enforcement. The components are tough to trace and can be cranked out quickly on commercially available 3-D printers, which makes them appealing to people who want to avoid background checks and serial numbers. The problem has drawn national attention and led to recent prosecutions, according to reporting by NPR and other outlets.
What Happens Next In The Case
The Attorney General's office says the warrant on the Chew Avenue apartment was served on June 11 and that investigators are still working to determine where any of the printed firearms or parts may have been transferred. Criminal charges are allegations and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty. "This felon was actively making and distributing firearms in the community, brazenly posting on social media that he was open for that kind of business," Attorney General Dave Sunday said in the press release from the PA Office of Attorney General. The Philadelphia District Attorney's Office will decide whether to file additional charges as the investigation continues.
