Police task force confiscates 55 guns in Richmond

Members of a police task force have confiscated 55 firearms in the first two months of an initiative targeting guns and criminals on Richmond's streets.

The Fugitive and Firearms Initiative also has led to 48 felony and 84 misdemeanor charges and the confiscation of crack cocaine, heroin, marijuana and cash.

Richmond police, Virginia State Police and the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority police, who are teaming up on the operation, showed the growing results of their efforts in a news conference yesterday at the city police headquarters.

About two dozen officers from the three agencies are taking part in the operation, which began May 15 and will continue through September.

The operation is concentrated in high-crime areas of the East End and North Side.

"We want to keep the criminals off balance," said Richmond police Maj. John Keohane.

Police said most of the seized firearms, drugs and money came as a result of traffic stops. The firearms include handguns, shotguns, rifles and automatic weapons.

Virginia State Police Lt. Col. H.C. Davis, who leads the agency's bureau of criminal investigation, said the partnership has proved particularly effective in an era when police agencies are being forced to cope with budget cuts and do more with less.

"Mutual aid and assistance has to be a priority," Davis said.

Anyone with information about fugitives or illegal guns can call the Richmond police tips line at (804) 514-TIPS (514-8477).

Contact Joe Macenka at (804) 649-6804 or .