LAKE CITY, Fla. (WTXL) - A Florida convicted felon is facing charges after he reported his illegally-owned rifle as stolen.
The Lake City Police Department says that they were called to a home regarding a report of a stolen firearm.
The complainant, James Denson, claimed that his adult son had stolen his .22 caliber rifle from his bedroom.
Police later found Denson's son, who stated that he didn't steal the rifle and accused his father of trying to have him falsely arrested.
When investigators followed up with James, they discovered that he was a convicted felon and therefore prohibited from having a gun in the first place.
Despite telling officers that the rifle was his earlier, James changed his story, saying that he never had the rifle but instead saw some kids playing with it in his front yard and took it for their safety.
This also conflicted with initial statements he made claiming the rifle belonged to his grandfather.
“At this point, there are several conflicting statements made by the Mr. Denson between when he originally reported the rifle stolen and when we advised him it was illegal to possess one in the first place,” said LCPD Chief Argatha Gilmore. “Thankfully our Investigators were thorough and discovered this. Once we find the rifle, we will ensure it is returned to someone who can lawfully have it.”
Investigators say they are continuing to look for the rifle and the investigation into its theft is still ongoing.
A warrant for James Denson's arrest was submitted to the State Attorney’s Office for Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
