—INDEPENDENCE PORT, September 16, 2005

Paragon City Police were astounded to discover a large stash of stolen goods in Independence Port late last evening. Military equipment, weapons, and pharmaceuticals worth tens of millions of dollars were taken from a warehouse in Liberty Quay that is allegedly run by an organized crime family. Several arrests were made at the warehouse and further investigation is being conducted to determine the involvement of organized crime.

Officer Craig Hinton holds back the public while police continue to investigate

The arrests come while the Paragon City Police Department is facing sharp criticism from citizen and hero groups for allowing crime to run rampant throughout the city. “We hope that this puts to rest some of the criticism about Paragon City’s police effectiveness,” said Tara Devonshire, Public Relations Director and spokesperson for the Paragon City Police Department. “While we may not be a one-on-one match for some criminal groups, we are better equipped to fight crime on logistic and strategic levels. The weapons recovered last night are off the streets because of the police.”

The Justice Avenger, hero representative of the Swift Justice hero supergroup, disagrees with Devonshire that heroes are not as equipped logistically and strategically. “We have sixty members of Swift Justice, and that number is growing. Plus, we are part of a coalition of over three hundred heroes defending Paragon City. We patrol every city zone and we have the latest technology and equipment at our disposal. The police department just doesn’t want to admit that they’re somewhat unneeded, and I don’t blame them.”

Blue Steel, who represents the Paragon City Police Department to heroes, takes a less adversarial stance. He is often on the record stating that Paragon City needs both heroes and an organized police force. Earlier today, Blue Steel commented, “It’s clear to me that without the police force, Paragon City would quickly turn into a chaotic hotbed of crime and vigilantism. I understand that the crime rate in Paragon City is a source of frustration, but it’s a problem that can only be tackled by heroes and the police working together to uphold the law.”

How the police discovered the location of the stolen goods remains unclear. Paragon City District Attorney James Barrow, in a statement early this morning, promised to press charges against any individuals, companies, or groups who have facilitated the transfer of these highly hazardous materials to criminal elements.

The owners of the warehouse were unavailable for comment.