SIDNEY — A report of a stolen handgun had Sidney police converging on a Jefferson Street residence, Wednesday, Aug. 9.
They were dispatched at 12:03 p.m. to 330 Jefferson St., where the occupant said he knew the person who had alledgedly stolen the firearm.
During a brief, but extensive, search of the surrounding neighborhood, Greg Johnson, 28, address at large, was found in a creek near 616 N. Miami Ave. He was identified by the Jefferson Street resident and arrested.
He has been charged with one count of theft, a fourth-degree felony.
The gun had not been recovered at press time. It is a loaded, silver-colored, .45-caliber, Ruger P3-85 handgun.
Police ask that residents in the area stay alert to their surroundings, in case the gun was discarded by Johnson prior to his arrest. Anyone finding a gun should not touch it, but call the police.
A red suitcase police say belongs to Johnson was taken into evidence. He had discarded the suitcase behind another residence prior to his arrest.
Captain Jerry Tangeman said police have additional evidence against Johnson, but would not say what that evidence is.
Anyone who has information about this incident or the location of the gun is asked to call the Sidney Police Department at 498-2351 or Crime Stoppers at 492-8477 (TIPS).
