Over 300 arrests, dozens of guns seized in undercover operation near schools

Over 300 arrests, dozens of guns seized in undercover operation near schools

Police arrest hundreds, seize guns near schools

MEMPHIS, TN (WMC-TV) - Police made more than 300 arrests and took dozens of weapons off Memphis streets during a recent operation designed to cut down on crime near schools, officials said Monday.

Police Director Larry Godwin said "Operation: Safe Campus" was started after a number of guns were found on campus at Memphis City Schools in January. Godwin said gangs, drugs and money are forming a circle of crime that is happening too close to many schools.

"We feel the guns entering the schools are obviously coming from the streets the houses and entering onto campus," he said.

During the five-week investigation, undercover officers targeted drug dealers and gang members who live and do business near schools. Some of the results of the operation were put on display during a joint news conference Monday afternoon.

"It shows you clearly and concretely the issues we've known that are in and around our schools and contiguous to our schools," Memphis City Schools Superintendent Kriner Cash said. "This is unacceptable."

According to police, 17 the weapons on display Monday were found inside three houses located less than a quarter of a mile from Mitchell High School. But at least one homeowner said his personal weapon was taken after police kicked in his door.

Godwin said police conducted the raid on Gilleas Street only after receiving legitimate tips that drugs were being sold to Mitchell High School students from the three houses.

Memphis Mayor A C Wharton commended those willing to voice their concerns.

"The citizens, particularly in the Mitchell High situation who stood up and spoke, we'll continue to work with MPD and MCS to make sure our children are safe," Wharton said.

While the first phase of "Operation Safe Campus" may be over, police say there's much more where these guns, drugs, and money came from.

Of the more than 300 arrests made during the operation, only one
suspect was an actual student.

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