Attentive caller helps police recover stolen weapon

An anonymous tip Thursday led Roanoke Rapids police to find a gun that was stolen from Elizabeth City last year.

Jamonte Harper, 18, of Roanoke Rapids, was charged with possession of a stolen firearm and carrying a concealed weapon.

Chief Shane Guyant said that around noon, officers responded to a 911 call from a concerned citizen regarding a person, later identified as Harper, walking in the parking lot near a business at Tenth Street and Georgia Avenue.

The caller reported that the person had a firearm hidden in his waistband.

Officer P. Dueitt arrived in the area and located the individual matching the description at a business in the area.

Dueitt approached Harper and noticed the back base of a large magazine sticking out of his waistband.

Guyant said Harper initially stated he did not have a firearm. After restraining Harper for further examination, the gun fell down Harper’s pant leg toward his feet. The pistol was not in a holster and, police were told, was hidden.

Master Officer C. Majette arrived and he and Dueitt recovered the pistol, which had been stolen from Elizabeth City last August.

Harper was given an $8,500 bond and an Oct. 24 District Court date.

“Special thanks to the concerned citizen who saw something and said something,” Guyant said. “This citizen saw a threat and because of his citizenship there is one less stolen gun on the streets of Roanoke Rapids. If you see something that you think is suspicious, you are always encouraged to call 911 and report it.”