Durham police arrest 29, seize 29 guns during 3-day anti-violence operation, officials say

DURHAM, N.C. (WTVD) -- Durham police say a three-day operation targeting violent crime led to dozens of arrests, the seizure of 29 firearms, and what officials described as a measurable impact on public safety.

The Durham Police Department's Organized Crime Division conducted "Operation Spring Seizure" from April 22 to April 24 in partnership with Durham Task Force officers and the FBI. Officials say the effort was part of a broader initiative to address concerns about violent crime across the city.

According to police, the operation was guided by crime data and feedback from community members.

"Law enforcement was able to act strategically rather than reactively," said Captain B. Frey, who leads the department's Organized Crime Division. "This approach not only helped deter potential criminal behavior but also reinforced a visible sense of safety and accountability throughout the neighborhoods."

Frey said the operation contributed to a reduction in reported violent incidents during and after the initiative, along with increased community cooperation and strengthened relationships between residents and law enforcement.

During the three-day effort, officers conducted 97 traffic stops, served 58 outstanding warrants and arrested or cited a total of 29 people.

Charges and seizures

Police say the charges filed as part of the operation included:

• 58 outstanding warrants served
• 27 narcotics-related charges
• 16 weapons-related charges
• 13 misdemeanor charges

Investigators also seized:

• $13,852 in cash
• More than 3,699 grams of marijuana
• 390 dosage units of pills and 61 dosage units of THC
• 47.8 grams of crack/cocaine
• 3.4 grams of fentanyl
• 29 firearms, including two equipped with illegal auto-sear switches
• 20 gallons of moonshine

Arrests announced

Police released the names and charges of those arrested or cited. Among them:

• Treshaun Robinson, 20 -- Multiple counts of breaking and entering a motor vehicle, felony conspiracy, and financial card theft
• Billie Wayne Morris, 60 -- Charges including possession of a stolen firearm and possession of a firearm by a felon
• Dorian Singletary, 30 -- Drug trafficking and distribution-related charges
• Koketa Kee, 43 -- Trafficking opium or heroin and other drug-related charges
• Alfred Benton Jr., 32 -- Fleeing to elude arrest, firearm-related charges
• Alexus Patterson, 27 -- Multiple larceny and conspiracy charges
• Charliciar Pratt, 47 -- Trafficking cocaine and drug distribution near a school and park

Others face charges ranging from carrying a concealed weapon and resisting an officer to failure to appear in court and narcotics-related offenses. A 15-year-old juvenile was also among those charged, including with possession of a handgun by a minor.

Police say several of the arrests involved individuals accused of illegally possessing firearms, including stolen guns