One individual has been arrested on firearm related charges in Etowah County.

According to Commander Randall Johnson, Derrick Garrett, age 41 of Southside, is charged with Possession of a Pistol by a Violent Felon.

On May 02, 2019, the Etowah County Drug Enforcement Unit, Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives, Homeland Security Investigations, Southside Police Department, and the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency executed a search warrant at a residence on Vista Trail in Southside.

The search warrant was based upon a lengthy investigation involving the purchase of illegal components to manufacture automatic firearms. Agents recovered approximately five (5) handguns, seven (7) rifles, and one (1) shotgun from the scene.

One of the rifles had been equipped with an illegal bump stock and a sixty (60) round drum magazine. In addition one of the firearms seized by agents appeared to have been converted to fire in full automatic mode.

Garrett, a previously convicted felon, had served prison time in Ohio for manslaughter.

Garrett was arrested and is being held in the Etowah County Jail on a $50,000 cash bond.

This investigation is still ongoing and the subject could face additional state and federal charges related to the firearms seized.

The Etowah County Drug Enforcement Unit, Etowah County Sheriff’s Office, Gadsden Police Department, FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force, Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives, Homeland Security Investigations, Southside Police Department, and the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency participated in the case.