Ghost gun components, other weapons seized in Warren, deputies say
Two people were arrested after an investigation that led to the seizure of firearm components, including items that are commonly called "ghost guns," the Macomb County (Michigan) Sheriff's Office said.
The arrests followed the service of search warrants on Tuesday in the 8700 block of Maxwell Avenue in Warren.
"This case highlights the growing threat posed by illegal firearm conversion devices and the manufacturing of untraceable firearms," Macomb County Sheriff Anthony M. Wickersham said.
The searches were led by the Sheriff's Enforcement Team, which includes detectives from the Macomb County Sheriff's Office and the Warren Police Department. Those officers were assisted by Homeland Security Investigations, the Warren Police Department Special Response Team and the Warren Police Department Drone Unit.
During their searches, detectives confiscated an AK-47 style pistol, two 3D printed Glock handgun frames, nine machine gun conversion devices, also known as Glock switches, a 3D printer, along with multiple magazines and ammunition. Officers also confiscated firearm components and accessories that are associated with privately-made firearms known as "ghost guns" as they lack serial numbers and are difficult to trace.
"Advances in 3D-printing technology and the availability of firearm parts kits have contributed to the increasing use of these unregulated weapons in criminal activity," the sheriff's department said.
Corey Eubanks, 20, and Elijah Eubanks, 19, were taken into custody and remain at the Macomb County Jail on weapons-related charges, the sheriff's office said.
Both men have been arraigned in 37th District Court in Warren with nine charges each of weapons – firearms – devices to convert semiautomatic to automatic, along with one charge each of weapons – felony firearm, the sheriff's office said. Bond was set at $100,000 cash or surety for Corey Eubanks, and at $75,000 for Elijah Eubanks, court records show.
Probable cause conference for both suspects is set for June 23.
The Rev. Chris Yaw founded Disarmory Ministries to help reduce gun violence through safe firearm disposal.
"Some people have tried to bring ghost guns to our gun buybacks. We, of course, won't accept those. They have no serial numbers. They are designed for felons," Yaw said.
According to Chicago police data, they confiscated over 600 ghost guns in 2021. One year later, those guns were banned statewide. Unlike Illinois, Michigan does not currently ban ghost guns, but state lawmakers have proposed legislation.
"When you get these kinds of guns, they're not designed for someone whose safety conscious," Yaw said.
