On Wednesday afternoon, Mayor Eric Adams and NYPD officials revealed that operational East Harlem day care had ghost guns and 3D printers in its possession. This discovery was made on Tuesday and has raised concerns about the safety of children attending the day care.
Upon conducting a search warrant at an apartment located on East 117th Street, detectives uncovered a ghost gun printing operation being run from a licensed day care facility.
According to authorities, the inquiry began when a group of people, including minors, were buying ghost guns and the necessary materials to print 3D firearm parts from various online retailers. It is suspected that they were obtaining instructions on how to create these ghost guns from the internet.
After conducting the warrants, three people were arrested, two of whom were minors, and several 3D-printed guns were seized as evidence.
NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban delivered a strong message to the parents and advocates of 3D printed guns. He urged parents to take responsibility for their children’s online activities and monitor their internet usage. In addition, he addressed those who believe that 3D guns are the way of the future and emphasized that they are mistaken. Caban’s words serve as a call to action for everyone to take a stand against the dangers of 3D printed guns.
18-year-old Karon Coley has been accused of producing ghost guns using a 3D printer in his mother’s residence located in East Harlem. It is important to note that his mother runs a daycare center from the same apartment.
Upon inspecting the day care center, authorities discovered an array of 3D printing equipment, including a 3D printer, 3D printing tools, and plastic filament. Notably, they also uncovered two already-printed firearms, as well as an assault pistol that was in the final stages of assembly. In addition, they found another 3D printed lower receiver.
According to Rebecca Weiner, the NYPD’s deputy commissioner of intelligence and counterterrorism, ghost guns and 3-D printed firearms function similarly to commercial firearms when made properly. However, in the hands of teenagers, they can be just as deadly and cause significant harm.
Coley faced multiple charges, including criminal possession of a loaded firearm, manufacturing of a machine gun, and the creation of a rapid-fire modified device. Additionally, he was accused of manufacturing a dangerous instrument and possessing three or more firearms, including an assault rifle and an ammo clip. To make matters worse, Coley was also charged with acting in a manner that caused harm to a child under the age of 17.
Adams expressed concern over the fact that an 18-year-old with a 3D printer is not using it to create harmless toys but instead is manufacturing guns.
The situation regarding Coley’s mother and any potential charges remains uncertain at this time.
Adams expressed deep concern over the distressing situation where parents believed they were leaving their children in a secure and protected environment, only to discover that a firearm was being manufactured within the premises. “It’s heartbreaking to think that you’re entrusting your child’s safety to a place of refuge, only to find out that it’s a hazardous setting,” he stated.
In February 2021, the day care received a license to operate and underwent its latest inspection in the same month. The inspection revealed three violations that needed to be addressed.
The recent bust came to light almost two weeks after the hospitalization of four young children who were attending a day care in the Bronx due to opioid poisoning. Tragically, one of the victims, a 1-year-old boy named Nicholas Dominici, is believed to have lost his life as a result of the exposure.
Upon investigation, law enforcement discovered drugs hidden beneath a trap door, along with a significant quantity of fentanyl stored close to mats utilized by children for sleeping. Additionally, they uncovered various tools and equipment utilized by drug traffickers to mix and compress drugs into bricks.
Adams expressed his reluctance in discussing another instance where children were exposed to hazardous conditions. He shared that it did not bring him any pleasure to recount such incidents.
According to Adams, it’s crucial to reinforce to parents who drop off their children at these centers that they can trust in their safety. The rules and regulations have been continuously updated and evolved to stay ahead of any potential harm that could come to children. The centers are committed to remaining vigilant and always adapting to ensure the protection of the children in their care.
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