After receiving a tip leading to the arrests of two men, and the seizure multiple guns, Richmond police announced Wednesday that they had stopped a July 4 mass shooting. This announcement came only two days after the Chicago mass shooting.
A “hero citizen”, who heard a conversation about an attack on the city’s Independence Day celebration, called police to report it. Police Chief Gerald Smith stated at a press conference that he had overheard the conversation. Although he didn’t know the exact location of the conversation, he said that the suspects were targeting Dogwood Dell in Kansas City, an amphitheater.
Police received the tip on July 1 and began an investigation with the FBI and U.S. Department of Homeland Security. This led to two arrests.
Julio Alvardo-Dubon (52), was taken into custody July 1 on charges that he was a non-U.S. citizen and in possession of a gun. Rolman A. Balacarcel was taken into custody by authorities as they didn’t have probable cause for him to be arrested. The 38-year old was then arrested for the same charges four days later. Smith stated that additional charges could be brought against Smith.
Smith claims that the two suspects weren’t known to police before.
Smith stated that officers seized two assault rifles, one handgun, and hundreds of rounds from a residence in which the firearms and “related materials” were visible. It is unclear how the firearms were obtained.
The chief stated that Alvardo-Dubon was being held at a local jail without bond.
The plot to thwart the attack was made on the same day as a gunman shot from a roof during a Fourth of July parade. Seven people were killed and more than three dozen others were injured.
Robert E. Crimo III was arrested Tuesday on seven murder charges. The shooting sent hundreds fleeing in terror and set off an hour-long manhunt. The motive for the shooting has not been identified by authorities.
