Police make an arrest in stolen handgun case

A firearm stolen during a Columbus gun store burglary last year has been recovered by Columbus police officers.

After receiving a tip from the public, officers from the CPD Intelligence Led Policing Unit served a search warrant at a home in the 2200 block of Park Avenue, said Lt. Matt Harris, Columbus Police Department spokesman.

During the search, officers located Gary L. Gillis, 52, Columbus, who had the stolen weapon inside a tent on the property, Harris said. Gillis was arrested on preliminary charges of felony possession of a handgun by a serious violent felon and felony theft, Harris said.

Investigators determined that the firearm in Gillis’ possession, a .45-caliber Les Baer Custom, was one of several weapons stolen during an early morning burglary at Watson Chambers Defense Institute on July 5, 2018.

Columbus police show the stolen .45-caliber Les Baer Custom handgun that was reported stolen from Watson Chambers Defense Institute last year.
Columbus police show the stolen .45-caliber Les Baer Custom handgun that was reported stolen from Watson Chambers Defense Institute last year.

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