Shoplifters found to be packing a semi-automatic weapon

Security personnel at Walmart on North Locust Avenue requested assistance from Lawrenceburg Police officers early Wednesday morning regarding a shoplifting incident.

When the reporting officer arrived, security personnel explained that they had observed thirty-one year old Rebeckah Jean Robinson of 353 Deller Street conceal several items of merchandise inside her purse, place a ball cap on her head, then attempt to leave the store without paying for the items. Her companion, Timothy Ray Gardner, 28, of 106 Lodi Road was detained, as well.

The reporting officer received permission to search Robinson’s purse. Inside, the officer reports finding a Lorcin .22 caliber semi-automatic handgun.

Reports show that Gardner claimed possession of the handgun. He told officers that he had been carrying ammunition in his pocket, but that he had already handed it over to store security personnel. He said that he had purchased the gun from “a guy in Pulaski a few days earlier for $20,” and that he had purchased the ammo from a pawn shop.

The reporting officer noted that Gardner “had a lengthy record of felonies,” including charges of aggravated burglary and assault with a deadly weapon. He was subsequently placed under arrest on charges of unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Gardner was transported to the Lawrence County Detention Center where he was incarcerated under a $10,000 bond. He has been scheduled an initial appearance in General Sessions Court on September 1, 2017.

Robinson was issued a citation for the crime of shoplifting. The citation requires that she appear in court on August 28, 2017.