Pittsfield Police Arrest Two Suspected in 'Ghost Gun' Manufacturing
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Pittsfield Police arrested Emmanuel Kodjo and Taylor Bartlett after an investigation centering around the illegal possession of firearms and the illegal manufacturing of "ghost guns."
On Thursday morning, Oct. 28, members of the Pittsfield Police Department, Berkshire County Special Response Team, and Berkshire County Law Enforcement Task Force executed simultaneous search warrants at 205 Lenox Ave. (apartment No. 3) and 122 Dewey Ave. (apartment No. 4) in Pittsfield.
As a result of an investigation and ensuing search warrant executions, 23-year-old Emmanuel Kodjo and 18-year-old Taylor Bartlett were placed under arrest and charged with unlicensed possession of firearms. Police say additional charges are expected.
Illegally owned firearms and "ghost guns" are an ongoing problem in Pittsfield and beyond, according to police. Ghost guns are privately manufactured firearms that do not possess a serial number. The weapons are partially manufactured and can be assembled at home by a person with minimal knowledge and skill.
The search of the two residences resulted in the seizure of firearms, firearm parts and accessories, ammunition, and manufacturing equipment.
Both Kodjo and Bartlett are Pittsfield residents.
Lead investigators for the case are Investigator Thomas Bowler and Officer John Virgilio. The investigation centers on the illegal possession of firearms and the illegal manufacturing of "ghost guns."
A school resource officer contributed information that was pertinent to this investigation. Other agencies who assisted with this investigation include the Berkshire County Sheriff's Department, the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.
In recent months, Pittsfield Police have made seizures of illegally possessed firearms and ghost guns.
Anyone who wishes to provide additional information can do so by contacting PPD at 413-448-9700.
Information can also be provided anonymously via the Detective Bureau Tip Line at 413-448-9706, or by texting PITTIP and your message to TIP411 (847411).
Tags: firearms,