Cincinnati police seizing more weapons

Cincinnati police took 30% more guns off the streets in 2003 compared to the year before, and charged 13% more people with firearmsviolations.

Police recovered 1,508 guns last year, up from 1,156 in 2002. Police recovered 805 in 2000.

They arrested 471 people on gun charges, up from 415 in 2002 and more than double the 202 arrested in 2000.

Investigations Capt. Vince Demasi attributed much of the increase to more focus on undercover drug arrests.

Punch to nose ends would-be robbery

WEST CHESTER TWP. - A business employee socked an intruder in the nose, foiling a robbery attempt, police said Wednesday.

David Senkbeil was counting money at Tires Plus, 7743 Tylersville Road, after closing on Tuesday when a man entered and tried to swipe the cash from a countertop, said police Sgt. Steve Oakes.

After a struggle, the man fled.

The man is described as black, 5-feet-10 to 6 feet tall and about 155 pounds. He wore a black leather jacket with fur collar and an orange sweatshirt.

Oakes asks anyone with information to contact the department's Central Investigations Section at 759-7270.

Stabbing injures man; suspect sought

FAIRFIELD TWP. - A man suffered serious injuries, including a broken rib and a collapsed lung, after being stabbed in the back early Wednesday.

John D. Johnson, 22, of Hamilton, was taken to University Hospital.

Police obtained a felonious assault warrant for Darrell Wardrup, 22, of Fairfield Township.

Johnson told police he had come to a home in the 1900 block of Shuler Avenue to visit his ex-girlfriend, when he found Wardrup in an upstairs bedroom wearing no clothes, police said. A fight ensued.