Four Charged After Binghamton Ghost Gun Investigation

UPDATE: Four Binghamton men arrested earlier this month by the Broome County Sheriff’s Office on multiple felony weapons charges are now being held at the Broome County Correctional Facility after a formal indictment was filed by the Broome County District Attorney’s Office in County Court.

- ORIGINAL STORY -

Four Binghamton residents are facing multiple felony weapons charges after police investigated reports of gunfire near the Wittman Lane Watershed in Broome County. Investigators say they recovered ghost guns, a stolen handgun, and high-capacity magazines during the incident.

Police Respond Quickly To Gunfire Calls

According to court documents, law enforcement agencies responded to the area on February 4, 2026, after reports that several individuals had been dropped off near the dam. Soon after, dispatch received multiple calls reporting gunshots in the area, prompting a coordinated response from local agencies.

Traffic Stop Uncovers Key Suspects

Officers located a silver Volkswagen Passat nearby with five occupants. When the vehicle began to pull away, authorities stopped it. Investigators later determined the driver was an Uber driver who was not involved in the alleged activity.

Who Authorities Say Was Involved

According to court documents, Samear N. Wallace, 23; Jahliek A. Walker-Coates, 21; Isaiah N. Johnson, 21; and Johnathan M. Ayala, 25, were indicted in connection with the investigation.

Prosecutors allege Wallace possessed two loaded ghost guns along with multiple magazines and loose ammunition. Walker-Coates is accused of having a loaded ghost gun with a partially loaded magazine. Johnson allegedly had a ghost gun with a drum magazine and spent shell casings. Ayala is accused of possessing a stolen Glock 43X handgun reported missing from Allentown, Pennsylvania, along with additional ammunition.

Suspects Allegedly Found With Ghost Guns And Stolen Handgun

Court documents allege the individuals were found with multiple loaded ghost guns, large-capacity magazines, ammunition, and a stolen handgun. Ghost guns are privately assembled firearms that often lack serial numbers, making them more difficult for investigators to trace.

Authorities Emphasize Public Safety Concerns

District Attorney F. Paul Battisti said removing these weapons from the community highlights the seriousness of these incidents. Officials stressed that the presence of loaded firearms and large-capacity magazines presents a significant safety concern, and they credited coordinated law enforcement efforts along with community vigilance.

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Investigation Continues As Legal Process Moves Forward

The Broome County Sheriff’s Office, Broome County Security Department, and the Port Dickinson Police Department all participated in the investigation. Prosecutors remind the public that an indictment is only an accusation, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

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