Colorado Springs police arrest convicted felon in possession of ‘ghost gun’

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) — Colorado Springs police say a “known prolific offender” is now in police custody after a months-long investigation. Officers arrested 20-year-old Maurice Reid at his workplace near the 1800 block of South Academy Boulevard on May 10 around 1:30 p.m.

According to Colorado Springs police, Reid was in possession of a “ghost gun” and “approximately 14 grams of cocaine” at the time of the arrest. Police added that “ghost guns” are becoming increasingly popular because they are often available as a do-it-yourself kit and do not have serial numbers.

Police added that in addition to the cocaine, Reid also “possessed items consistent with the distribution of narcotics.”

Police say the ghost gun in Reid’s possession was a handgun loaded with a 30-round magazine and 30 bullets inside. The gun also had a “Glock switch.” This modification allows the weapon to fire fully automatically instead of semi-automatically.

Colorado Springs police say their investigation into Reid began in January 2024. Detectives from the Strategic Investigations Unit began investigating Reid for various firearms-related crimes. Investigators add that when they began their investigation, Reid was not only a convicted felon, but also a member of a local criminal network. Because of his criminal record, Reid was not allowed to possess a firearm.

Additionally, officers stated that Reid had multiple warrants for his arrest and that they suspected Reid was in possession of a handgun. Investigators monitored Reid before eventually focusing on his workplace. At Reid’s workplace, officers met with members of the Tactical Enforcement Unit, K9 units, Drone Unit and Strategic Investigations Unit detectives.

According to Colorado Springs police, Reid was booked into the El Paso County Jail on his warrants. His charges include:

• special offender
• Possession of a weapon by a previous offender
• Multiple firearms/narcotics charges