On June 24th, in the bustling Birmingham city centre, a shocking event occurred on a busy Saturday afternoon. A 19-year-old named Nikye Thomas was seen waving a gun in broad daylight around 3:10 pm. The incident was reported to the authorities via a 999 call after a fight broke out near the Snow Hill station car park.
In the midst of a scuffle over a small bag, Thomas pulled out a handgun and pointed it at another individual, causing them to quickly flee the scene. Firearms officers spotted Thomas and initiated a relentless chase, capturing the tense pursuit on video. Eventually, they apprehended Thomas outside New Street station, where he dropped the loaded gun in Burlington Arcade.
Upon recovering the firearm, authorities discovered it was loaded with five live rounds in the magazine, with another round in the chamber, ready to be fired. Additionally, Thomas was found in possession of cannabis resin, scales, and a burner phone.
During questioning, Thomas initially provided false information to officers and subsequently remained silent when asked further questions. He was later sentenced to five years in prison for possessing a firearm with the intent to cause fear of violence. He also received a concurrent six-month sentence for possession of cannabis with the intent to supply.
Detective Sergeant Sharon Owen, representing the Major Crime team, expressed the gravity of the situation, emphasizing that this reckless act occurred amidst innocent bystanders on a bustling Saturday afternoon. Owen commended the collaborative efforts of CCTV operators, firearms officers, forensics experts, and investigators that led to Thomas’s arrest.
The conviction of Nikye Thomas underscores the commitment of law enforcement to remove firearms from the streets and apprehend those who resort to such unacceptable acts. This incident also coincides with the launch of Operation Target, a concerted effort to bring serious and organized criminals to justice in the West Midlands.
