Arrests Follow Raids in Binghamton, Johnson City

Between 150 and 180 law enforcement officers conducted simultaneous raids at a dozen locations in Binghamton and Johnson City November 17.

Several people were taken into custody following a four-month investigation by local, state and federal agencies.

Binghamton Mayor Richard David said sites on Mather Street, Thorp Street, Murray Street, Edwards Street, Jarvis Street, Grace Street, McDonald Avenue, Moeller Street and Penny Lane were targeted.

Speaking on WNBF Radio's Binghamton Now program shortly after the raids were completed, the mayor said no injuries were reported during coordinated police operations which occurred at about 6 a.m.

David said in the actual raids were completed quickly, in a matter of minutes.

Police teams gathered at the Broome County public safety facility in the town of Dickinson early Tuesday to prepare for the operation and then to move to the targeted sites in convoys of vehicles.

The mayor said battering rams and flash-bang devices were employed as the raids were conducted. He said people who lived near the raid locations may have heard the noise-making grenades and mistaken them for gunshots.

David said he was present as police entered a residence at 5 Edwards Street. He said "within ten seconds of the SWAT team using the battering ram to knock down the front door" a suspect fled out of the side of the house.

The mayor said the man ran into officers who were positioned outside the residence.