Man arrested in connection with stolen firearm

A Comfrey male is facing multiple charges following a Sunday incident in Mountain Lake.

According to a press release from the Mountain Lake Police Department, a Mountain Lake officer received a report of a suspect in possession of a stolen handgun at 3 p.m. Sunday. The suspect worked at a Mountain Lake business and was believed to be there. The gun, which had been stolen in Jackson County last year, was also believed to be located in the suspect’s vehicle. 

The officer arrived at the business and located the suspect, who was sitting in the driver’s seat of the vehicle. He had a blanket around his lap and was very lethargic in his movements and responding to questions. There was a strong odor of burnt marijuana coming from the vehicle, and a vape was on the person’s lap. 

The suspect confirmed there was a firearm in the vehicle, specifically a shotgun in the trunk, but denied possessing a handgun. The vehicle was eventually searched and a loaded Taurus Handgun was located, which was confirmed as being the stolen handgun from Jackson County. Also, numerous other marijuana paraphernalia was located inside the vehicle.

Suspect Cody Michael Pitts, 29, was placed under arrest and booked into the Cottonwood County Jail with pending charges of possession of stolen firearm (receiving stolen property), felon in possession of firearm/ammunition and open bottle.