Another Benton Harbor man has pleaded guilty to kidnapping a sporting goods store manager at gunpoint and stealing more than 120 firearms from the store, authorities said.
Darnell Bishop, 33, of Benton Harbor pleaded guilty in April in U.S. District Court in Grand Rapids to charges of kidnapping and brandishing a firearm during a violent crime. Bishop faces up to life in prison if convicted.
Bishop, along with his co-defendant, Dontrell Nance, stole 123 handguns from Dunham’s sporting goods store in Benton Harbor on November 16, 2023. As part of his plea agreement, Bishop admitted that he and Nance kidnapped Dunham’s manager at gunpoint outside the manager’s home, took him to a second location, and convinced the manager to give them the building’s alarm code.
Bishop said he then went to the store and stole 123 handguns, which he took with him in two large coolers. Police have since confiscated all of the firearms.
Nance, who previously pleaded guilty to kidnapping and brandishing a firearm during a violent crime, is expected to be sentenced July 22.
This case was investigated by the Benton Charter Township Police Department, Benton Harbor Public Safety Department, Berrien County Sheriff’s Office, Michigan State Police, ATF, and the FBI.
James Deir, Special Agent in Charge of the Detroit Field Division, said, “Today’s request is the best case scenario for our industry partners and their innocent employees. Armed robberies of FFLs are one of ATF’s top priorities.
“The message remains clear: There is no place in our community for illegal arms dealers and those who choose to target and victimize business owners and employees who are only trying to provide for the needs of their families.”
Jalen Williams is an intern at the Detroit Free Press. Contact him at jawilliams1@freepress.com.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Benton Harbor Man Steals 123 Handguns From Dunham’s; Pleads Guilty
