Chicago police seize 50 guns in crackdown

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Wednesday, February 17, 2016
Chicago police crack down on gun violence
Police recovered 50 illegal guns including semi-automatic pistols and shotguns as well as an AK-47 assault rifle.

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Police recovered 50 illegal guns including semi-automatic pistols and shotguns as well as an AK-47 assault rifle.

There are sawed-off shotguns, 9mm pistols with large magazines - even AK-47 knock-offs - 50 guns in all collected from all over the city last weekend.

Police say most were recovered from people who were committing other crimes. Most of them were gang-related. Police say in addition to the 50 guns, they also collected 50 pounds of cocaine and $10,000 cash over the weekend.

Police also say a business on the West Side was home to all sorts of illegal activity. Edward Flowers, 42, was killed in that building two weeks ago. Police, citing numerous crimes at the building in recent weeks, used a new ordinance that allows them to close businesses they view as a public threat.

His family says Flowers grew up in the neighborhood but lived in the suburbs. They say they have no idea why someone would shoot him.