VBPD and ATF Arrest Subject for Multiple Firearms Charges

VIRGINIA BEACH, VA – Earlier this month, the Virginia Beach Police Department’s (VBPD) Special Investigations Bureau (SIB), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF), and the Department of Homeland Security Investigations (HS) received a tip about a person illegally manufacturing and selling automatic firearms, illegally importing and selling suppressors, and illegally importing and selling Glock “switches” that convert a semi-automatic pistol to function in full auto mode.

In a joint operation on January 10, 2023, VBPD and ATF executed a federal search warrant. John Dane (M/35), of Virginia Beach, was taken into custody without incident. A search of his residence resulted in the seizure of illegal automatic firearms, suppressors, Glock switches, additional firearms components, and suspected methamphetamine. John Dane has been charged with the following:

• Possession of a machine gun for aggressive purposes
• Importation/sale of a trigger activator
• Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
• Possession of a firearm while in possession of narcotics
• Possession of schedule I/II narcotics

"This joint operation moved with haste to remove a large number of illegally procured weapons from our streets," said Virginia Beach Police Chief Paul Neudigate. "We’re grateful for the partnerships and resources our federal partners bring to bear to ensure that those that contribute to gun violence in the City of Virginia Beach are held accountable."

• VBPD and ATF Arrest Subject for Multiple Firearms Charges

###