Police Say Stolen Guns Leading to Increase in Drive-By Shootings

ODESSA, TX – The Odessa Police Department is urging citizens to start keeping guns locked away after they have dealt with nearly 50 drive-bys recently where stolen guns were used. 

According to CBS7, on July 23, officers with the OPD arrested numerous juveniles for 48 separate drive-by shootings. The guns found were all stolen. 

A number of these guns were stolen from unlocked vehicles. 

“It’s unlocked, exactly. There’s nothing to keep them from it. For the most part they don’t want to draw attention to themselves, they’re just trying to find an easy way to get in. If the doors locked we’re seeing in most of these videos they’re walking away,” said Lt. Carruth.

In San Angelo, the SAPD reported that they have seen an uptick in stolen gun cases. Most of these were from vehicle burglaries.

On Friday, July 17, officers with the SAPD arrested a man for having possession of a stolen gun. Here is the story: SAPD Officers Find Stolen Gun in Wanted Man's Underwear