Police arrest man attempting to sell stolen gun at gas station

A local man was arrested after police accused him of having a stolen firearm and two stolen cell phones.

Columbus police were sent to a gas station in the 3100 block of National Road at 2:20 p.m. Saturday after receiving information that William C. Cox, 41, Columbus, was selling a handgun that had been reported stolen earlier that day, said Lt. Matt Harris, Columbus Police Department spokesman.

Officers Brian Voyles and Matt Martindale found Cox holding two cell phones, noting both had been reported stolen, Harris said. A short time later, officers found a stolen .380-caliber firearm behind a bag of potato chips inside the store.

As Cox was arrested, officers found three .380-caliber bullets in his pants pockets, Harris said.

Cox was arrested on charges of theft and possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon, Harris said.

For more on this story, see Tuesday’s Republic.