Crime
Authorities Seize Over 120 Guns, 250,000 Rounds of Ammo, Body Armor, and Grenade Launcher from 60-year-old Jeffrey Kelly
Tempe police have arrested a 60-year-old man, Jeffrey Michael Kelly, in connection with a series of disturbing incidents involving political signs and shootings.
Kelly is accused of hanging suspicious bags of white powder from political signs lined with razor blades in Ahwatukee.
Additionally, he is believed to be responsible for three separate shooting incidents targeting the Democratic National Committee (DNC) office in Tempe.
The investigation revealed that a silver-colored Toyota Highlander was captured on surveillance footage at the scene of the DNC shootings.
Evidence collected from Kelly’s home included .22-caliber casings, Google searches of the DNC office location, and searches for firearm conversions and accessories.
Kelly made his initial court appearance on Wednesday morning.
The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office expressed concerns about the increasing violence and potential future attacks.
During a search of Kelly’s home, ATF investigators discovered a significant arsenal, including more than 120 guns, over 250,000 rounds of ammunition, body armor, a grenade launcher, and other weapons-related items.
Evidence linking Kelly to the incidents, such as the vehicle seen on surveillance video and multiple license plates, was also found.
Kelly is scheduled to appear in court again on October 29th.
Christian County, Mo. — Authorities have identified the suspect accused of fatally shooting a deputy with the Christian County Sheriff’s Office during a traffic stop as Richard Bird.
At the time the Blue Alert was issued, the suspect had not yet been taken into custody.
According to law enforcement officials, the deputy initiated a traffic stop involving a 2001 Chevrolet extended cab pickup truck along State Highway 160 near Highlandville.
During the stop, the suspect allegedly opened fire, fatally wounding the deputy before fleeing the scene.
The suspect was reported to have traveled southbound on Highway 160 following the shooting.
Authorities described the suspect vehicle as a black 2001 Chevrolet extended cab pickup truck equipped with a silver brush guard, black body trim, tinted rear windows, and a three-ball trailer hitch. The vehicle was bearing Missouri license plate 9MG-X36.
A statewide Blue Alert was issued to notify the public and assist in locating the suspect.
Law enforcement officials urged residents not to approach the vehicle or suspect if located, but instead to immediately call 911 and provide detailed information while remaining at a safe distance.
Christian County is situated south of Springfield and north of Branson, an area that sees significant travel due to its proximity to the Ozarks.
Multiple agencies across the region coordinated efforts in response to the alert.
Authorities have not yet released further details regarding the circumstances surrounding the shooting or the status of the investigation.
Law enforcement officials expressed their condolences to the deputy’s family, colleagues, and the community as they continue to pursue justice in the case.