MIAMI — A routine probation check in Miami’s Flagami neighborhood Wednesday morning escalated into a large-scale law enforcement response after officers discovered several weapons, including grenades, inside a home, authorities confirmed.
Residents along Northwest 60th Avenue and Fifth Street were stunned to see marked and unmarked police units, including members of the Miami Police Department’s Gang Intelligence Task Force, swarm a residence around 6:30 a.m.
6 p.m. report:
Authorities said the visit was part of an unannounced probation check on a suspect previously arrested on drug charges.
Police also confirmed that the individual, identified as 20-year-old Austin Michael Davis, was prohibited from owning any guns. Authorities said they were following up on a drive-by shooting that was reported at the home.
“When they arrived at the location, they discovered that he was armed with an AK-47,” said MPD Chief Manny Morales. “Bomb squad was requested and they were able to determine that the grenades were inert and not in function.”
During the initial search, officers said they recovered two long guns, multiple ammunition magazines, and four grenades.
“You can’t imagine this could happen,” said William Pupo, who has lived in the neighborhood since 1976. “We have never seen this before.”
“You can have folks that have guns in their homes for their own safety, etc. — but grenades?!” Pupo added.
The discovery prompted police to shut down surrounding streets as state investigators obtained a search warrant to comb the rest of the property for additional weapons or explosives.
Noon report:
Video from Sky 10 showed investigators entering and exiting the house as a mobile command center remained stationed nearby.
A man named Jim, who identified himself as the Davis’ father, said he was outside the home when police arrived.
“They didn’t force (entry). We were sitting right outside when they pulled up at 6:30 in the morning. The door was wide open,” he said.
Jim added that while he was aware his son was barred from possessing firearms, he wasn’t certain what was found in his son’s room.
“I’ll tell you this much on the grenades — you can buy them at the Army surplus store. They have a hole on the bottom. It is a dead giveaway that that is what that is," he said.
Miami police said the investigation is ongoing and additional details are expected from the police chief in the coming days.
Police charged him with dealing in stolen property and carrying a concealed firearm.
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