In a shocking incident, two Benton Harbor men have been charged with robbery, brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, theft of firearms from a federal firearms licensee, and knowingly possessing stolen firearms. The charges stem from an alleged robbery at Dunham’s Sports where over 120 handguns were stolen.

According to U.S. Attorney Mark Totten, Darnell Bishop and Dontrell Nance reportedly held the store’s manager at gunpoint at his home, forcing him into handcuffs and a blindfold before kidnapping him. They then allegedly forced the manager to disclose the store’s security information and took his keys to rob the store. Investigators found all but one of the stolen guns in homes and cars connected to Bishop and Nance, leading to their arrest.

The incident at Dunham’s Sports is a clear example of the illegal influx of guns into communities that is fueling the epidemic of gun violence. Totten emphasized the need to address the crisis and fully prove the case against Bishop and Nance. A federal criminal complaint has been filed against them, and if convicted, they could face up to life in prison. It is currently unknown when the pair are due back in court.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing issue of gun violence and the efforts to combat it in Benton Harbor and across the nation.