Marshals: Assault suspect caught with numerous guns

PENSACOLA, Fla. (WALA) - Officials said the U.S. Marshals Florida Regional Fugitive Task Force discovered a small cache of guns, a bulletproof vest and rounds and rounds of ammunition Thursday afternoon, when they captured a fugitive wanted since November of last year. 

Aggravated assault suspect Jeremy Jerel Fountain was arrested without incident inside a home on Escalona Avenue in Pensacola.

Task Force Officers from the Marshals, Escambia County and FDLE were conducting surveillance at the home of what is believed to be of a relative, when around 3 p.m., Fountain emerged from the house.

Investigators said when Task Force members placed 24-year-old Fountain under arrest, they found numerous guns, multiple rounds of ammunition scattered all over the bedroom he was in along with a bulletproof vest.

Authorities said the bedroom appeared to be that of one of several young children living in the house.

“Although it appeared that none of the guns were loaded, all but one was within child’s reach as well as the ammo,” said Inspector Dominic Guadagnoli of the FRFTF.

 Marshals said an investigation done at the scene revealed that at least one of the handguns appeared to be stolen in Escambia County, and another handgun, a revolver, had the serial number removed.

Officers said a handgun was found in another room.

Authorities said altogether, four handguns and a shotgun were recovered which were a .32 caliber semi-automatic, .25 caliber semi-automatic, .40 caliber semi-automatic, .38 caliber revolver and a 12 gauge pistol grip pump shotgun. Marshals also said numerous boxes and dozens of loose rounds were found for all the guns.

Investigators said bullets for a .45 caliber weapon were also found, however, no gun was found.

The Marshals requested assistance from the ATF who responded immediately. Escambia County Crime Scene Unit was also called to assist.

Officers said they also found suspected marijuana which appeared to be packaged for sale and drug paraphernalia indicative of drug trafficking. 

Fountain also had an outstanding child neglect warrant for no child support. He was booked into the Escambia County Jail with no bond.