Darnell Bishop, Armed Robbery, Michigan 2023

BENTON HARBOR, MI – Two Benton Harbor men are facing life in prison after allegedly orchestrating a terrifying armed robbery of a Dunham’s Sports store on November 16th, making off with over 120 handguns. The brazen theft involved kidnapping the store manager, handcuffing and blindfolding him, and forcing him to reveal security access codes.

According to federal charging documents, Darnell Bishop and Dontrell Nance approached the Dunham’s manager outside his home, holding him at gunpoint. They then transported him to an undisclosed location where they coerced him into providing the necessary information to unlock the store. Bishop allegedly entered the store with the manager’s keys and loaded the stolen firearms into two large coolers before fleeing the scene. Law enforcement quickly recovered all but one of the stolen weapons.

“It is no secret that we are experiencing an epidemic of gun violence across the nation, across the State of Michigan and right here in Benton Harbor,” stated U.S. Attorney Mark Totten. “Fueling this epidemic is a massive influx of illegal guns into our communities. What happened at Dunham Sport’s on the evening of November 16th is a striking example of what is driving this crisis and we fully intend to satisfy our burden and prove this case.”

A swift investigation, spearheaded by the ATF Detroit Field Division and involving multiple agencies including the Benton Charter Township Police Department, Benton Harbor Department of Public Safety, Berrien County Sheriff’s Department, Michigan State Police, and FBI, led to the arrest of both Darnell Bishop and Dontrell Nance on November 17th. Searches of their residences and vehicles revealed additional firearms stolen from Dunham’s, as well as another pistol. ATF Special Agent in Charge James Deir declared the duo “getting coal in their stockings this year rather than the 120 plus firearms they tried to steal.”

The scale of the theft underscores the significant threat posed by gun dealer robberies, which authorities say contribute to the flow of illegal firearms onto the streets. FBI Special Agent in Charge Cheyvoryea Gibson emphasized that arresting those involved in such crimes “can save countless Michiganders from being victimized by these weapons.” Michigan State Police Inspector Ryan Schoonveld lauded the collaborative effort of law enforcement agencies, describing the operation as a “very dangerous situation” brought to a “safe and successful conclusion.”

Both Darnell Bishop and Dontrell Nance are currently in custody. The charges against them are merely accusations, and they are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. If convicted, both men face a potential sentence of up to life in prison. The case remains ongoing as federal prosecutors prepare to build their case against the pair.

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