Syracuse police seek public help finding man wanted on gun charges
Police said 18-year-old Samuel Bunch was wanted for illegal possession and discharge of a firearm, and warned residents not to approach him.
Syracuse police asked the public to help locate 18-year-old Samuel Bunch, saying he was wanted on gun-related charges that included illegal possession and discharge of a firearm. Officers said the case was serious enough to treat Bunch as potentially armed and dangerous, and they urged anyone who sees him not to make contact and to call 911 immediately.
Sgt. Thomas Blake identified Bunch by name in the department’s notice. The charge combination matters because it points to more than simple possession: police say the warrant involves a gun that was not legally held and was fired, creating a risk not only to the people directly involved but also to neighbors, bystanders and first responders who may be drawn into the scene.
The Syracuse Police Department said it still needed help from the public to move the investigation forward. Detectives were looking for tips about where Bunch may be staying, who he may be with or whether he has recently been seen in Syracuse or elsewhere in the city. Police emphasized that even a small lead could help close out an active gun case before it develops into something more dangerous.
The department’s request came against the backdrop of ongoing concern about gun violence in Syracuse and other youth-related shooting cases that have kept police under pressure to find suspects quickly. In that context, the Bunch case was not just a warrant on paper. It was part of a larger public-safety problem involving illegal weapons, fast-moving investigations and the need for residents to speak up when they see something that could help officers act safely.
The Syracuse Police Department says its mission is to prevent crime, enforce the laws and understand the needs of the community while providing professional service and ethical treatment for everyone. The city also maintains public-information and anonymous-tip channels for people who want to share information without directly confronting a suspect. For this case, police said the most important step is simple: if Bunch is seen or his location becomes known, call 911 right away.
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