Battle Creek Police Bust: 67 Illegal Guns Seized, 11 Linked to Minors

Battle Creek police have seized 67 illegally possessed firearms since February, including 11 recovered from people younger than 18, according to the department.

Another 15 firearms were recovered from people ages 18 to 20, bringing the total involving people under 21 to 26. Ten of the 67 firearms had been reported stolen, and one was identified as a fully automatic firearm.

What Happens When Minors Are Caught With Guns?

Calhoun County Prosecutor David Gilbert said it depends on the circumstances of each case. If prosecutors have probable cause to believe a minor committed a crime, they can pursue charges and, in some cases, seek to prosecute them as an adult.

"If we have probable cause to believe a crime was committed and the juvenile committed it, we will prosecute that juvenile," Gilbert said. "And depending on the case, we may prosecute them as adults because they're possessing firearms."

Gilbert said possessing a stolen firearm is a 10-year felony, while stealing a firearm is a five-year felony. Carrying a concealed firearm can also carry a five-year felony charge. Additional charges can apply if a firearm is used to shoot or injure someone.

Stolen Guns and Secure Storage

Gilbert said stolen firearms are a significant part of the problem. More than 250,000 firearms are stolen in the U.S. each year, and more than half are stolen from vehicles.

"When we see crime in Calhoun County, almost every gun that's used, particularly in homicide, is illegally possessed," Gilbert said.

Battle Creek Police Lt. Ryan Strunk said gun owners should avoid leaving firearms unattended inside vehicles and should keep firearms secured when they are not being used.

"There's just glass between a person with ill intent and getting that firearm," Strunk said.

Free Gun Locks Available

The Battle Creek Police Department has gun locks available, and Strunk said the department provides them to people who register firearms with the department.

The Calhoun County Prosecutor's Office also promotes firearm safety through Project ChildSafe, a national program that provides information and resources for secure firearm storage. The local safe-storage materials include options ranging from cable locks and gun cases to lock boxes and full-size gun safes.

Gilbert said the issue becomes especially concerning when young people are involved.

"Our children are suffering because of this, and we really need to do something," he said.

Battle Creek police said the goal of removing illegally possessed firearms is to reduce the opportunity for those weapons to be used in violence, accidental shootings or other preventable incidents.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How many illegal firearms have Battle Creek police seized in 2026?

A: Battle Creek police have seized 67 illegally possessed firearms since February 2026, including 11 from minors under 18 and 15 from people ages 18 to 20.

Q: What are the penalties for juvenile gun possession in Calhoun County?

A: Calhoun County Prosecutor David Gilbert said possessing a stolen firearm is a 10-year felony, while stealing a firearm is a five-year felony. Carrying a concealed firearm also carries a five-year felony charge. Depending on the case, minors may be prosecuted as adults.

Q: Where can Battle Creek residents get free gun locks?

A: The Battle Creek Police Department provides free gun locks to people who register firearms with the department. The Calhoun County Prosecutor's Office also promotes secure storage through Project ChildSafe, which offers cable locks, gun cases, lock boxes, and full-size gun safes.