The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department (SLMPD) executed one of the largest search warrants in recent years Thursday morning in the Marine Villa neighborhood following numerous complaints from residents and other violent crime incidents.
District 3 officers and detectives led the operation at 36 condemned apartment units in the 3600 block of Illinois Avenue near S. Broadway Street. The apartments were condemned in February following unsafe and deplorable conditions. There have also been two separate shooting incidents at these apartments in the last 3 months.
The search discovered 10 firearms, two of which were reported stolen, and an AR-15 pistol with a sear switch making the firearm fully automatic. Numerous narcotics were also located.
“This operation is a clear example of what investing in public safety delivers,” said Chief of Police Robert J. Tracy. “Giving our officers the resources, staffing and support needed not only disrupts crime but removes illegal firearms from our community. Continued investment ensures we can sustain this level of impact across all neighborhoods.”
A total of 63 summonses were issued for occupying a condemned building. There were 13 people arrested on various charges ranging from Possession of an Illegal Weapon to Drug Trafficking charges.
The condemned apartments have been the scene of two shooting incidents in the last three months. First responders also were called there for a recent fire. Since April 1, 2025, there had been 158 calls for service to the 3600 block of Illinois with 75 of those calls coming in since January 1, 2026.
During the morning operation, District 3 officers and detectives were assisted by officers from District 4, Mobile Reserve and detectives from SLMPD’s Drug Enforcement and Intervention Unit. Members of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department SWAT team were assisted by the St. Louis County Tactical Operations Unit and FBI St. Louis SWAT.
“Our District 3 officers and detectives have been conducting an investigation for months into this problem property,” said District 3 Captain Angela Dickerson. “This was more than enforcement – it is about accountability, stability and moving the neighborhood forward.”
After the search warrant, individuals were given an opportunity to collect personal belongings before the City of St. Louis Buildings Division responded to secure the apartments, which are in dangerous conditions. In addition to the SLMPD, Behavioral Health Services were on scene to provide services to anyone in need.
District 3 officers will conduct proactive patrols in the area.
Charges will be applied on within the next 24 hours. The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information about activity at the condemned apartments should contact District 3 at (314) 444-2500.