A 64-year-old man has been sentenced to five years in prison after being filmed waving a pistol during a heated family argument on a Dudley street. Martin Gordon, of Brierley Hill Road, Wordsley, was arrested less than 40 minutes after police were alerted to the incident on 11 August last year.
The confrontation, which took place on Brierley Hill Road, was reported to police just before 1pm after Gordon was seen pulling a gun on a woman. Officers quickly identified Gordon as the suspect and located his car at an industrial estate on Pensnett Road, Brierley Hill, within 15 minutes. Armed response units swiftly descended on the scene, arresting Gordon and recovering the firearm. A magazine containing two bullets was also found in his pocket.
Gordon later admitted to possession of a firearm and was sentenced at Wolverhampton Crown Court on 13 February. Detective Sergeant Matt Nightingale, from the Major Crime Unit (MCU), praised the rapid response of officers, stating, “Gordon brandished this weapon in full view of the public without any attempt to conceal it. Thanks to the quick actions of our team, we were able to locate him and seize the gun within minutes.”
The case is part of a broader effort by West Midlands Police to tackle gun crime and serious organised crime in the region. Last year, more than 200 firearms were taken off the streets as part of Operation Target, a 24/7 initiative aimed at disrupting criminal activity and ensuring public safety.
DS Nightingale added, “We are committed to removing dangerous weapons from our communities and holding those who carry them accountable. This sentencing sends a clear message that gun crime will not be tolerated.”
The successful operation highlights the force’s dedication to tackling violent crime and protecting residents, ensuring that offenders like Gordon face the full force of the law.