Advisory
Press Release
PHONE NO. (262) 886-2300 FAX. NO. (262) 635-0190
Date: July 12, 2023
No: 23-13
Subject: Search Warrant
On Tuesday July 11, 2023 the Racine Police Department Violent Crimes and Intelligent Unit along with ATF agents executed a search warrant in the City of Racine. The search warrant was the result of a months-long investigation into suspected illegal straw firearms purchases. A straw purchase, as defined by the ATF, involves someone who purchases a gun for someone who is prohibited by law from possessing one or for someone who does not want their name associated with the transaction. Throughout the investigation a suspect was developed and further investigation led to evidence of dozens of suspected straw firearms purchases. Firearms related to the investigation have been identified as being used in numerous shootings including at least homicide. The suspect was taken into custody and transported to the Racine County jail. The investigation in active and ongoing.
The Racine Police Department and ATF take a zero tolerance approach to straw firearms purchases. Illegally purchased firearms are responsible for much of the gun violence in our community. We are committed to recovering illegal firearms from our streets and prosecuting those who are involved in gun violence and illegal firearms purchases. Anyone with information regarding this investigation or other illegal firearms cases are asked to contact the Racine Police Department Detective Unit at (262) 635-7756.
Those who wish to remain anonymous may contact Crime Stoppers by phone at (262) 636-9330, or through the Crime Stoppers app by using the p3 app.
All media inquiries regarding this incident should be directed to my attention at (262) 635-7868.
Sgt. Kristi Wilcox
Public Information Officer
Press Release 
Racine Police Department
730 Center Street · Racine Wisconsin, 53403
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Date: July 12, 2023
No: 23-13
Subject: Search Warrant
On Tuesday July 11, 2023 the Racine Police Department Violent Crimes and Intelligent Unit along with ATF agents executed a search warrant in the City of Racine. The search warrant was the result of a months-long investigation into suspected illegal straw firearms purchases. A straw purchase, as defined by the ATF, involves someone who purchases a gun for someone who is prohibited by law from possessing one or for someone who does not want their name associated with the transaction. Throughout the investigation a suspect was developed and further investigation led to evidence of dozens of suspected straw firearms purchases. Firearms related to the investigation have been identified as being used in numerous shootings including at least homicide. The suspect was taken into custody and transported to the Racine County jail. The investigation in active and ongoing.
The Racine Police Department and ATF take a zero tolerance approach to straw firearms purchases. Illegally purchased firearms are responsible for much of the gun violence in our community. We are committed to recovering illegal firearms from our streets and prosecuting those who are involved in gun violence and illegal firearms purchases. Anyone with information regarding this investigation or other illegal firearms cases are asked to contact the Racine Police Department Detective Unit at (262) 635-7756.
Those who wish to remain anonymous may contact Crime Stoppers by phone at (262) 636-9330, or through the Crime Stoppers app by using the p3 app.
All media inquiries regarding this incident should be directed to my attention at (262) 635-7868.
Sgt. Kristi Wilcox
Public Information Officer
Address/Location
Racine, WI Police Department
730 Center St
Racine, WI 53403
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 262-635-7700