Story Highlights

  • Louisville Metro Police seized 16 Glock conversion devices, several 3D printers and four guns — three of them 3D-printed — during a targeted search in Shively earlier this month.
  • Two 18-year-olds and two juveniles were arrested in connection with the investigation into the illegal devices.
  • Police are backing House Bill 299, which would make possession of a machine gun conversion device a felony under Kentucky law and has already passed the House.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — The push to get 3D-printed guns and machine gun conversion devices off Louisville's streets is not just in the hands of police but also lawmakers.

Earlier this month, Louisville Metro Police seized 3D-printed guns as part of a targeted search in the Shively area.

Police said the push for a House Bill 299 will save lives. House Bill 299, sponsored by Rep. Jason Nemes, R-Louisville, would make possession of a machine gun conversion device a felony under state law.

"You can buy these printers online," LMPD Sgt. Cam Chenault said. "They're shipped to your house. You make either your firearm or machine gun conversion device at home, and everything is right there."

Anyone can make these devices regardless of age or criminal history.

"There's no restrictions on 3D printers, so a juvenile could get it, a felon could get it or anyone could get it," Chenault said.

The targeted search earlier this month ended with police seizing 16 Glock conversion devices, several 3D printers and computers, along with four guns, three of which were 3D-printed.

Jose Viveros-Hernandez and Ahmed Mohram, both 18, were arrested in connection to the investigation. Two juveniles were also arrested.

"You can imagine a juvenile, who has not as much experience with a gun at all, and then all of a sudden they have a fully automatic weapon," Chenault said. "That's very dangerous."

That's why police are pushing for HB299.

"While machine guns are prohibited federally, there isn't a state or local law addressing it," Chenault said.

This bill would make possession of a machine gun conversion device a felony under state law.

"If we're able with state law to make a fresh arrest and seize that item, get it off the street, I think it will save lives," Chenault said.

Chenault said police are seeing these switch attachments nearly every day. As they see the increase in devices, they're increasing their urgency.

"That's why we are so passionate about going after these machine gun conversion devices and getting them off the streets before people are senselessly struck by gunfire because of them," Chenault said.

An update on HB299 recently advanced in Frankfort after the House passed it. It's now sitting in the Senate.

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