“Historically Large” Gun Seizure in Johnson City, New York

On the morning of April 12, 2024, the Johnson City Police Department (JCPD) made one of the most significant illegal weapon seizures in Broome County's history.

At approximately 8:30 a.m., officers were dispatched to a residence on Albany Ave in response to a domestic incident. What was initially treated as a routine call quickly escalated into a significant operation upon the discovery of numerous illegally possessed firearms.

Upon arrival, the JCPD Patrol Division, while investigating the domestic incident, uncovered that the male involved, later identified as DeLove Bennett, 48, of Johnson City, NY, had an alarming array of illegal firearms. Detectives were promptly called to the scene to assist with the investigation.

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Following the application and granting of a search warrant for Bennett's residence, the search team discovered an extensive collection of illegally possessed weapons, including:

• 36 pistols of various calibers
• 1 illegal shotgun
• 5 short-barreled assault rifles of different calibers
• 1 bullet-resistant vest
• A significant number of high-capacity magazines of various calibers
• A vast quantity of ammunition of various calibers

DeLove Bennett is currently detained at the Johnson City Police Department and faces several charges, including criminal possession of a weapon in the first degree, a class B felony; criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree, a class C felony; and unlawful possession of a large capacity ammunition feeding device, a class A misdemeanor.

Chief Dodge of the JCPD hailed the operation as potentially "the largest illegal weapons seizure in the history of Broome County," emphasizing the importance of such actions in keeping the community safe. The Chief also reflected on the unpredictable nature of what are deemed routine calls, highlighting the inherent risks law enforcement officers face daily.

"This is just fantastic that our officers were able to get all of these guns off the street," Chief Dodge stated, acknowledging the potential danger of these weapons falling into the wrong hands. The Chief's comments underscored the critical role of prompt and thorough law enforcement response in ensuring public safety and preventing potential harm.