NEWS RELEASE
An Evansville Police Officer working an off-duty loss prevention job at the Eastland Mall Dillard’s store arrested a 14 year old on weapon possession and resisting charges on Friday night.
According to police, the incident began when the officer saw a group of juveniles in the store, and he recognized several members of the group because they had been involved in previous thefts.
Police report one of the juveniles appeared to place an item into a trash can, only to retrieve it a short time later. While doing so, authorities say he appeared to be checking the area to make sure nobody was watching him. The officer, who was in full uniform, approached the group outside of the store and told the suspect he needed to talk to him. Police say the suspect refused to stop and then ran across the parking lot. During the chase, authorities indicate the suspect threw a .45 caliber handgun. The suspect was caught and taken into custody without further incident.
The serial number on the gun had been altered, but officers determined it had not been reported stolen.
Evansville Police state a check of the 14 year old suspect’s background showed he already has 6 felony arrest and is a convicted felon.
He was charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Felon, Possession of an Altered Handgun, Possession of a Handgun Without a Permit, and Resisting Law Enforcement.