The Amarillo Police Department’s investigation into a recent string of drive-by shootings has led to multiple arrests and the discovery of drugs and firearms.

Officers from the Proactive Criminal Enforcement Unit (PACE), the Neighborhood Police Officer Unit (NPO), and other divisions launched the investigation, focusing on three recent drive-by shootings.

With information provided by school resource officers, they identified a hangout near N. Lincoln and a vehicle tied to local gang members.

PACE officers spotted the vehicle and conducted a traffic stop near Western Plaza Dr. During the stop, officers found shell casings from multiple firearms inside the vehicle.

Amarillo police and the Department of Public Safety (DPS) continued surveillance at the identified hangout.

Officers detained several juvenile males at the location, including a 17-year-old who was stopped with a backpack containing multiple guns, methamphetamine, and THC cartridges.

Detectives obtained a search warrant for the hangout, where officers seized an AR-15, a .380 pistol, 15 pounds of methamphetamine, THC wax, and drug paraphernalia.

A stolen silver Dodge Charger was also found in the driveway, along with more shell casings.

The investigation led officers to a nearby residence, where they obtained a second search warrant. Officers seized marijuana and drug scales from this second location.

Three juveniles, ages 15 and 16, were arrested and booked into the Youth Center of the High Plains on charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.

Seventeen-year-old Luis Ramirez was booked into Potter County Jail on similar charges.

The investigation is ongoing.

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