By Staff Reports
FORT PAYNE, Ala. — (According to DeKalb County Sheriff Nick Welden)On Tuesday, January 29, a Deputy was dispatched to County Road 17, near Etowah County, where a homeowner reported that two handguns had been stolen from his vehicle.
It was also reported the suspect had several handguns that were possibly stolen in his possession. When the Deputies checked the residence, they found the weapons in a backpack underneath the home.
The pistols were found to be stolen in the previously reported theft. The suspect was later arrested and charged with the crime.
Christian Chase Barnett (20 of Boaz) was arrested for two counts of Theft of Property 2nd Degree, Breaking & Entering a Vehicle, and Domestic Violence 3rd Degree.
"I cannot stress enough the importance of properly securing firearms while you are not in your vehicle," said Sheriff Welden. "One of the easiest ways for a criminal to steal a firearm is while it is unattended in a vehicle."
“I’d also like to thank the Crossville and Geraldine Police Departments for assisting in this incident,” he added.