Darnell Bishop, Kidnapping, Michigan 2023

BENTON HARBOR, MI – A brazen late-night kidnapping and robbery left a Dunham’s Sports store stripped of 123 handguns, and now two men are facing federal charges that could put them behind bars for life. Darnell Bishop and Dontrell Nance, both of Benton Harbor, were indicted by a Grand Jury this week, accused of orchestrating the meticulously planned heist.

According to federal prosecutors, the pair didn’t just smash and grab. On November 16th, Bishop and Nance allegedly ambushed the Dunham’s store manager outside his home, holding him at gunpoint. They then handcuffed and blindfolded the man, transporting him to an undisclosed location where they forced him to reveal the security access codes for the store. Bishop reportedly took the manager’s keys and proceeded to load over 120 handguns into two large coolers before making off with the stolen weapons.

“We are experiencing a gun violence epidemic across our country,” stated U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan, Mark A. Totten. “Incidents like what happened at Dunham’s Sports are stunning illustrations of crimes that are dumping guns into our neighborhoods and fueling the gun crisis.” While the majority of the stolen firearms – all but one – have been recovered, the implications of this theft are chilling, officials say. The recovered weapons were found during searches of residences and vehicles linked to Bishop and Nance on November 17th, along with an additional illegally possessed pistol.

ATF Special Agent James Deir of the Detroit Field Division minced no words: “Robberies and burglaries of gun dealers represent the biggest threat to our community’s public safety.” The swift response of multiple agencies, including the Benton Charter Township Police Department, Benton Harbor Department of Public Safety, Berrien County Sheriff’s Department, and the FBI, was crucial in preventing further proliferation of the stolen firearms, Deir added. The FBI’s Cheyvoryea Gibson echoed this sentiment, highlighting the Safe Streets Task Force’s role in quickly apprehending the suspects.

Both Bishop and Nance are charged with kidnapping, interference with commerce by robbery, brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, and theft of firearms from a federal firearms licensee. Nance faces an additional charge of being a felon in possession of firearms. If convicted on all counts, each man could receive a life sentence. The U.S. Attorney’s Office is prepared to pursue the case vigorously, according to Totten.

Despite the indictment, both Darnell Bishop and Dontrell Nance are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. This case serves as a stark reminder of the constant threat posed by illegal firearms and the dedication of law enforcement to combating gun violence. Grimy Times will continue to follow this case as it develops.

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