HPD operation targeting gun violence yields 19 firearms, nine arrests
Published on
A three-day operation targeting gun violence in Huntsville resulted in the recovery of 19 firearms and the arrests of nine individuals, as the Huntsville Police Department (HPD) and its local, state and federal law enforcement partners conducted proactive patrols across the city.
The operation, held Oct. 16–18, focused on increasing law enforcement visibility, identifying criminal activity and recovering illegally possessed firearms before they could be used in violent crimes. Of the 19 firearms recovered, three had devices or modifications designed to allow automatic fire. Two were confirmed stolen.
HPD’s Anti-Crime Team led the operation with support from the North Alabama Multi-Agency Crime Center, North Alabama Drug Task Force, HPD’s K-9 Unit and HPD’s Unmanned Aircraft Systems Unit.
Participating agencies included the Owens Cross Roads Police Department, Madison County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO), Alabama Law Enforcement Agency and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
“We are not waiting for gun violence to happen before taking action,” HPD Chief Kirk Giles said. “By working together, our local, state and federal partners can identify criminal activity, remove illegally possessed firearms and take proactive steps to prevent violence in our community.”
Arrests during the operation
The following individuals were arrested during the three-day operation:
- Maurice Ty’quavis Jessiah Hewlett Jr., 18, of Huntsville: Arrested Oct. 16 following a traffic stop and charged with two counts of possession of a machine gun conversion device.
- 17-year-old male juvenile: Arrested during the same Oct. 16 traffic stop and charged with minor in possession of a firearm.
- Kejuan Jabray Lamb-Gregg, 18, of Adamsville: Arrested Oct. 18 following a vehicle pursuit and charged with felony attempting to elude, reckless endangerment and second-degree receiving stolen property.
- Rodrickus Bernard Jones, 18, of Birmingham: Arrested following the same Oct. 18 pursuit and charged with second-degree receiving stolen property.
- Mondarius Javeze Thompson, 24, of Huntsville: Arrested Oct. 18 after officers observed him armed with a handgun during an incident in the 2000 block of Poole Drive. No injuries were reported. He was charged with menacing.
- Ra’Keem Ramond Parks, 18, of Birmingham: Arrested Oct. 17 during a traffic stop in which officers recovered a firearm equipped with a machine gun conversion device. He was charged with possession of a machine gun conversion device.
- Jaquavion Demond Hamlett, 20, of Huntsville: Arrested Oct. 17 following a vehicle pursuit on Hall Avenue and charged with felony attempting to elude.
- Kamron Javier Leamon, 19, of Huntsville: Arrested following the same Oct. 17 pursuit and charged with certain persons forbidden to possess a firearm. Investigators determined he was prohibited from possessing a firearm because of pending violent felony charges stemming from an earlier arrest.
- Laron Anthony Coley, 24, of Huntsville: Arrested Oct. 16 following a traffic stop conducted by MCSO deputies, who recovered an AK-style pistol. Coley was charged with certain persons forbidden to possess a firearm because of pending violent felony charges stemming from an earlier arrest.
Several cases remain under active investigation, including potential federal violations. Additional charges may be considered as investigators continue reviewing the cases.
HPD will continue working with its law enforcement partners on proactive operations aimed at reducing violent crime and keeping firearms out of the hands of individuals prohibited from possessing them.