In a startling discovery, authorities in Winthrop Harbor, Illinois, apprehended a convicted felon who claimed to be “preparing for the Armageddon.” The arrest led to the seizure of an alarming cache of weapons, ammunition, and illicit substances from his residence.
Initial Discovery and Investigation
The incident unfolded on Sunday night when Winthrop Harbor Police Department officers, while following a loose dog near a gas station, stumbled upon a residential property in the 900 block of Fulton Avenue. Their attention was drawn to the overwhelming odor of fresh cannabis, which led them to observe numerous cannabis plants being cultivated in the backyard.
Following this discovery, law enforcement obtained a search warrant for the property, which was executed at approximately 4 p.m. on Monday.
Seized Items
The search of the premises yielded a substantial haul of illegal items, including:
- 18 firearms (16 high-powered rifles and shotguns, 2 handguns)
- 5 AR-style rifles without serial numbers (commonly known as “ghost guns”)
- 3 gun suppressors
- Approximately 8,500 rounds of ammunition
- 23 cannabis plants
- 614.8 grams of cannabis
- 22 grams of psilocybin
- 223 Xanax pills
Suspect and Charges
The suspect, identified as 68-year-old Garry L. Turpin, a long-term renter of the property, was taken into custody. Upon questioning, Turpin admitted to growing and selling cannabis, claiming the Xanax pills were for personal use. He also confessed to using one of the firearms, equipped with a homemade suppressor, to kill a raccoon in the attic while other tenants were present in the home several months prior.
As a convicted felon, Turpin is prohibited from possessing firearms. His statement to officers that he was “preparing for the Armageddon” added a disturbing dimension to the case.
The Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office has filed numerous charges against Turpin, including:
- Felon in possession of a firearm
- Possession with intent to deliver cannabis
- Unlawful possession of a firearm while ineligible
- Possession of sativa plants
- Unlawful possession of a controlled substance
- Unlawful possession of a device with the intent to silence a weapon
- Serialization of unfinished frames or receivers
Legal Proceedings
Turpin appeared in First Appearance Court on Tuesday morning, where Lake County Judge James Simonian denied his pre-trial release. A detention hearing has been scheduled for Thursday afternoon.
Community Response
In the wake of this incident, the Winthrop Harbor Police Department issued a statement emphasizing the importance of community vigilance:
“Even though no place is immune to crime, teamwork with neighbors and police can make a difference to minimize it. Please do your part and report any suspicious activity to the police. These reports can be anonymous. For emergencies, please dial 911.”
This case serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in combating illegal weapons and drug activities, even in smaller communities. The collaboration between alert officers and community members played a crucial role in this significant bust, underscoring the importance of public cooperation in maintaining public safety.
