Devonte Nelson-Barnes, 20, of Heeley Road, Selly Oak, has been charged with possession of a firearm and ammunition following an incident in which a Ford Fiesta nearly collided with a bus in Birmingham. The charge comes after a police pursuit and the discovery of a loaded gun in the abandoned vehicle.
Police pursuit and discovery
On Thursday, July 9, at around 6.20pm, officers spotted a Ford Fiesta that nearly crashed into a bus in the city. When they attempted to stop the car, the driver reportedly failed to comply. The vehicle was later abandoned at the junction of Elford Road and Osmaston Road in Harborne, and its occupants fled on foot.
Inside the abandoned Ford Fiesta, police recovered a loaded gun. The discovery triggered a wider investigation, leading to the arrest of Nelson-Barnes on Tuesday, July 28, in Weoley Castle. He was due to appear before magistrates in Birmingham on Wednesday, July 29.
Ongoing investigation and Operation Target
West Midlands Police confirmed that an 18-year-old man was arrested earlier in July as part of the same investigation and remains on police bail while inquiries continue. The force linked the case to Operation Target, a 24/7 initiative aimed at tackling serious and organised crime in the West Midlands.
In a statement, West Midlands Police said: "We've charged a man with possession of a firearm and ammunition after recovering a gun from a car which failed to stop for officers in Birmingham. Another man, 18, was arrested earlier in the month as part of the investigation and remains on police bail while the investigation continues. The investigation is part of Operation Target, which is our 24/7 mission to tackle serious and organised crime in the West Midlands. Those involved in guns, drugs, money laundering and exploitation are disrupted and arrested as our Major Crime Unit works with colleagues from neighbourhoods, roads policing, firearms, and intelligence."
Community impact and wider context
The incident occurred in Harborne, a suburban area of Birmingham, and raised concerns about public safety. The near-miss with the bus could have resulted in serious injuries, although no casualties were reported. The recovery of a loaded firearm underscores ongoing efforts by West Midlands Police to remove weapons from the streets.
Operation Target has been a key strategy for the force, focusing on disrupting organised crime networks. The operation involves multiple units, including the Major Crime Unit, neighbourhood teams, and roads policing, to target gun crime, drug trafficking, and money laundering. This case highlights the effectiveness of such coordinated efforts in intercepting dangerous items before they can cause harm.
Nelson-Barnes's court appearance marks the first step in the legal process, with further proceedings expected. The 18-year-old suspect on bail remains under investigation. West Midlands Police encourage anyone with information about gun crime to come forward, emphasising that community tips are vital in supporting operations like Operation Target.
