Five Men Jailed After Armed Police Nab Loaded Guns in East London
Five men have been convicted after police found two loaded semi-automatic firearms in a car during a tense stop in east London. All were found guilty of conspiracy to possess firearms and ammunition following a trial at Snaresbrook Crown Court on 4 March.
High-Speed Police Chase Ends With Guns Seized
The drama unfolded on Monday 11 February 2019, around 7:50pm, when armed officers tried to stop a silver Vauxhall Astra in Ewhurst Close, E1. Five men fled on foot, abandoning the car with the engine still running. One of the suspects was spotted throwing a firearm while running.
Police caught and arrested Charles Junior Frimpong, 23, Korey Lawrence, 25, and Abdul Noor, 23, at the scene. Riccardo Christophe, 29, the driver, escaped but surrendered himself to a local police station a few hours later. Jahvon Robinson, 22, was identified as the fifth suspect and later arrested on 23 April.
Loaded Guns, Balaclava, Gloves Found Inside Abandoned Vehicle
The abandoned car was searched thoroughly. Officers discovered two loaded 8mm modified handguns. One was tucked inside a rucksack on the front passenger seat, the other was found on the ground nearby – discarded by the fleeing suspect. One gun even had the hammer cocked and ready to fire.
Police also recovered a balaclava and a box of plastic latex gloves, adding to the suspect’s grim arsenal. Despite the evidence, all four men initially denied any knowledge of the firearms during interviews.
Detective Praises Team for Taking Dangerous Weapons Off London Streets
“I have no doubt that the firearms recovered would have been used to cause serious or even fatal injuries in the hands of those convicted or others,” said Detective Inspector Glenn Butler from Specialist Crime.
“I would like to thank my team, supported by firearms officers, for their dedication and commitment in removing illegally held firearms from the streets of London. Both firearms were loaded and thankfully police action on the day prevented them from being discharged.”
The men, all from various parts of London, are set to be sentenced at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Friday 24 April.
