Local officials are chasing some “strong leads” in connection with the recent theft of four loaded guns from the vehicles of two law enforcement officers.
Charleston Police Chief Justin Gammage said Tuesday that the loaded firearms were later recovered with all of their ammunition intact.
Gammage said the thefts reportedly occurred July 29, while the automobiles were parked outside the residences of a Tallahatchie County sheriff’s deputy and a Mississippi Department of Corrections officer in Charleston.
Gammage said three firearms — two handguns and a rifle — were taken from the deputy’s official work vehicle on Cypress Street, while a handgun was stolen from the MDOC employee’s private car on Rosalind Street.
“We’re still trying to determine how they gained access — if, maybe, the vehicles could have been unlocked,” explained Gammage, who said there were no signs of forced entry.
The chief said “good police work” and solid cooperation between his department and the Tallahatchie County Sheriff’s Department led to the recovery of the four weapons from three different locations in the city and county.
Gammage said officials’ ongoing investigation into the crimes could “possibly” lead to an arrest soon.
“We have some strong leads,” he noted.
In other police news:
• Gammage said citizens should feel free to contact the police department, and even ask for him personally, if they have law-and-order issues.
“Anything at all — noise complaints, four-wheelers — if there is a problem, please contact me,” he noted. “Without the folks reporting, we don’t know.”
Gammage said he has heard some people say they don’t call the police because they hate to bother them.
“You’re not bothering us,” the chief said. “That’s what we’re here for.”
To contact Charleston police, call 647-5841.
