Chicago police reports overnight raids ended with 81 arrests

CHICAGO (AP) - The Chicago Police Department says it conducted a number of overnight raids that resulted in the arrest of 81 people and the seizing of drugs and several guns.

Anthony Riccio, chief of the department's organized crime unit, says one of the guns taken off the street was capable of firing up to 50 bullets in seconds.

Police spokesman Anthony Guglielmi on Friday said 62 of the people arrested were convicted felons, and 14 were on parole for selling drugs. He adds 19 others had previous gun arrests.

The arrests came near the end of a week that was one of the Chicago's deadliest this year.

Chicago Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson says the raid won't eradicate all the violence, but is a "step in the right direction."

Authorities say investigators are trying to determine if any suspects arrested can be tied to recent crimes.