Drugs, Guns Found in Philly Homes After Man Fires at Officers

Authorities say Nicholas Sperando shot at police executing a search warrant, leading to discovery of drugs, guns and cash.

Jan. 27, 2026 at 3:39pm

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Investigators found millions of dollars' worth of marijuana, guns and cash after a 26-year-old Philadelphia man, Nicholas Sperando, shot at state troopers, police officers and narcotics agents who were executing a search warrant at his home. Sperando is charged with attempted murder, drug and weapons offenses. Authorities also found drugs and guns at two other homes linked to Sperando, and arrested a 19-year-old man, David Tierney, who was allegedly trying to flush drugs down the toilet.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in combating drug and gun crimes in Philadelphia, which has seen a rise in violent crime in recent years. The discovery of the large drug operation and arsenal of firearms also raises concerns about the proliferation of illegal drugs and weapons in the city.

The details

According to the criminal complaint, the investigation began in September 2025 when an informant contacted Sperando via social media and made several drug deals with him in the Philadelphia area. On January 15, 2026, narcotics agents executed a search warrant at Sperando's home on Fairdale Road, where he allegedly fired shots at the officers. Sperando was eventually taken into custody, and police found a semiautomatic pistol, an AR-style rifle, a Glock handgun, and drug paraphernalia at the home. Authorities also executed search warrants at two other homes linked to Sperando, where they found more drugs, guns and cash.

  • The investigation began in September 2025 when an informant contacted Sperando.
  • In December 2025, a second drug deal took place between an informant and Sperando in Levittown, Pennsylvania.
  • A third drug deal occurred in Northeast Philadelphia in January 2026.
  • On Thursday, January 15, 2026, around 6 a.m., authorities executed the search warrant at Sperando's home on Fairdale Road.
  • Around the same time on January 15, 2026, authorities executed search warrants at two other homes linked to Sperando.

The players

Nicholas Sperando

A 26-year-old Philadelphia resident who is charged with attempted murder, drug and weapons offenses after allegedly shooting at officers executing a search warrant at his home.

David Tierney

A 19-year-old man who was found inside one of the homes searched by authorities, allegedly trying to flush drugs down the toilet. He is charged with drug and evidence tampering offenses.

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What they’re saying

“This young man was in lawful possession of a firearm and believed his home was being broken into when he heard loud banging at the door and the house alarm going off.”

— Sperando's attorney (NBC10)

What’s next

Sperando is being held in the Bucks County Jail after his bail was denied. Authorities are also looking for others who may have been involved in the drug and gun sales.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in combating the intertwined problems of drug trafficking and gun violence in Philadelphia, where illegal drugs and firearms continue to proliferate despite enforcement efforts.