Former OK officer steals gun safe, assault rifles from Police Department

kxii.com » by Kristen Shanahan

11/07/2014

COAL COUNTY, OK -- A former Tupelo reserve officer, who was arrested in September for unauthorized use of a patrol unit, is back behind bars accused of stealing guns from the Tupelo Police Department.

Johnnie Hawkins, 42, was arrested in Byars, Oklahoma by the McClain County Sheriff's Office Friday for knowingly concealing stolen property. The Coal county Sheriff's Office says the arrest follows Hawkins failed court appearance Thursday.

Tupelo Police Chief Trevor Dean says Hawkins broke into the station late last month and took a gun safe that contained multiple weapons, including a fully automatic assault rifle and bullet resistant vests.

Dean says finding the stolen property is a relief. "I think it's a good win for us. We don't often see things stolen returned and we are just glad that nobody was hurt," Dean said.

Dean says Hawkins faces several charges including second degree burglary, destruction of city property, destruction of evidence and larceny. He is being transferred back to Coal County.