GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN — U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Mark Totten today announced that two Benton Harbor men were charged with several crimes related to the theft of firearms from Dunham’s Sports in Benton Harbor.
VIDEO: Today’s press conference concerning this case can be viewed here.
“It is no secret that we are experiencing an epidemic of gun violence across the nation, across the State of Michigan, and right here in Benton Harbor,” said U.S. Attorney Mark Totten. “Fueling this epidemic is a massive influx of illegal guns into our communities. What happened at Dunham Sport’s on the evening of November 16th is a striking example of what is driving this crisis and we fully intend to satisfy our burden and prove this case.”
The charging documents allege that late on November 16, 2023, Darnell Bishop and Dontrell Nance approached the Dunham’s store manager outside his home and held him at gunpoint. Bishop and Nance then handcuffed and blindfolded the manager and took him to another location; there, they forced him to provide security access information for the Dunham’s store. Bishop took the manager’s keys, entered the Dunham’s store, and left with more than 120 handguns packed into two large coolers. Police later recovered all but one gun. If convicted, both men face up to life in prison.
Investigators searched residences and vehicles associated with Bishop and Nance on November 17, 2023, and found firearms stolen from Dunham’s as well as an additional pistol. Both men were taken into custody that same day.
U.S. Department
of Justice
