News and Success Stories

Tag Archives: Guns

Cancer patient’s home burglarized while in the hospital

“I received a report of an aggravated burglary to a home in which the owners were in Nashville at the time. They were at a Nashville hospital because the mom has cancer and had to have her voice box removed. The family had a family member go check on the residence, and they found a door was kicked in and a safe that was bolted to the floor was taken. The safe contained several items including guns, jewelry and currency. In the safe was a wedding set purchased for the mom by the dad. She didn’t have a chance to wear it because she became sick. I was given a suspect’s name and shortly after searching LeadsOnline, I received a ‘hit’ on the individual. The individual sold several pieces of jewelry at a secondhand shop about 80 miles from where the burglary occurred. I notified the victims at the hospital, and the jewelry was identified as what was taken. The mom cried when they told her the wedding set was one of the items that was recovered. You all make my job easy and keep my customers happy.”

Det. Tonia Norwood
Monroe County Sheriff’s Department
Tennessee

A break in a cold case of missing guns and a motorcycle

“On Aug. 18, 2011, a victim of a breaking and entering reported that several guns and a motorcycle were taken from his storage facility. On Aug. 30, 2011, I located via LeadsOnline, a matching description of one of the guns taken. Looking further into the LeadsOnline report, the model, serial, and incident all matched resulting in a break in a case that would have otherwise been cold. This case would not have been solved without LeadsOnline. Thank you!”

Det. J.D. Koerber
Charleston Police Department
West Virginia

Stolen guns found after being pawned in another state

“I worked a burglary where several guns were stolen. Upon checking LeadsOnline, I found three of the stolen guns in Memphis. The firearms were recovered, one arrest was made, and two other people are wanted for the burglary. If it had not been for LeadsOnline, the victim would not have his guns back and his insurance did not pay for the guns. Again, thanks LeadsOnline for helping me do my job and helping the victims get their stolen items back.”

Gary Etter
Craighead County Sheriff’s Office
Arkansas

One hit clears 21 cases

“The West Carroll Sheriff’s Department entered several stolen guns in the LeadsOnline stolen items watch list, and as a result, we received a hit confirming that an individual had pawned five stolen firearms in a pawn shop in Morehouse Parish. That information allowed us to clear 21 burglaries that had occurred in our Parish over a 3-month period. Thank you very much LeadsOnline for a tremendous resource and a great tool to help in our fight against crime.”

Chf. Dep. Kenneth Green
West Carroll Sheriff’s Department
Louisiana

More stolen guns off the streets in South Carolina

“Well I’ve just got to share with you that I have recovered two more stolen guns utilizing your NCIC hit matches. The success I’ve had is amazing. These weapons are valued at approximately $350.00 and $450.00 All the other folks in the office are wondering how to use this feature. I am happily showing them. The more eyes we have getting stolen guns off the street and back to their rightful owner is beneficial. Thanks Leads for making it so easy!”

Det. Kelly Lovelace
York County Sheriff’s Office
South Carolina

Three burglaries solved; Stolen firearms found in 15 minutes using LeadsOnline

“I was contacted by one of my Burglary victims. Mr. Smith requested I look up a person he thought might be involved in his burglary. I took the name and ran it in your system, but did not receive any information on this subject. I decided to check the articles and guns in the NCIC area of LeadsOnline. I do this on a weekly basis to check weapons. Mr. Smith had also talked to me about the weapons taken in the burglary of his home. I started going down the list and noticed two weapons that matched the description of the ones taken in Mr. Smith’s burglary. I was able to solve three burglaries assigned to me within a 15 minute span and recovered over $5,000 in property. In another case, I located a stolen weapon from Grant County, Arkansas. After checking the name of the person who pawned the weapon, I also located where he had pawned an additional three weapons. The weapons have been secured through the Police Hold section of LeadsOnline and warrants will be filed on this subject.”

Det. R. Tribble
Little Rock Police Department
Arkansas

Pawnshops and law enforcement working together to solve crimes

“For the past 15 years Chavela Simmons, the owner of All-N-One Pawn shop in Kanawha City, has enforced strict guidelines when a customer comes in with something to pawn or sell. We’ve always done paperwork even if we buy a DVD for 50 cents or a dollar … it doesn’t matter,” Simmons said. “We take the person’s ID, write it up, and it goes to the city of Charleston.” And she’s taking another step to help protect her business by signing up for LeadsOnline, a national database that the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Department and the Charleston Police Department subscribe to — to track stolen items. “It can make a huge difference in recovering stolen property and getting people to justice that are doing the break ins,” Kanawha County Sheriff Mike Rutherford said. Signing up for the online program may soon become mandatory for any second-hand shop in the county if the “pawn shop ordinance” passes. Simmons’ shop is one of several in the area that are ahead of the game. “I think it’s going to be easier at the end of the day,” Simmons said. “We do our books and close it out. It’s just going to be one click, and everybody will have access to it.” All it means for Simmons is swapping out paper for a computer screen. It’s a move she hopes will save her shop money and trouble. The ordinance would not only include places like pawn shops and second-hand stores, but also scrapyards to help put a dent in copper theft. Since 2009, Rutherford says almost 100 stolen items have been tracked down in the county because of LeadsOnline. Forty-eight of those items were guns.”

Kanawha county Sheriff’s Department
West Virginia

LeadsOnline used by investigators in Cleveland County to find stolen guns and electronics

“A burglary was reported to the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Department where several guns and electronics were stolen. Three days later, the 46 inch Samsung flat screen television that was stolen out of the residence was located at a pawnshop in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. The Mossberg 410 shotgun had been sold at Money Mart Pawn Shop in Pine Bluff. The suspect also sold a Ruger 10/22, Knight Muzzleloader, and a Marlin 17 caliber rifle. The suspect has been identified and is in custody. Almost all of the property reported stolen has been recovered thanks to LeadsOnline.”

Det. Josh Bolland
Cleveland County Sheriff’s Department
Arkansas

Stolen guns recovered in Louisiana via LeadsOnline

“Thanks to LeadsOnline, I was able to solve three different burglaries involving guns that were taken from vehicles. This would not have been as easy to solve if it had not been for LeadsOnline. Thanks again.”

Lt. George Webb
Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office
Louisiana

Three stolen guns recovered for Louisiana resident

“Thanks to LeadsOnline and their very helpful and well-trained staff, I was able locate and close a case on three stolen guns!!! Again, thank you, LeadsOnline!”

Det. Stacy Johnson
Winn Parish Sheriff’s Office
Louisiana

Suspect strikes twice in theft cases

“There were some guns stolen at a residence, and then a month later, a generator was stolen from a deer camp. I checked LeadsOnline and found the generator, and I also found two of the stolen guns from the other burglary, and I was able to make the arrest. It was the same person who committed both crimes. Thanks LeadsOnline!!”

Chief Dep. Pete Richardson
Lafayette County Sheriff’s Office
Arkansas

Best law enforcement tool around

“I have been using LeadsOnline for approximately one year as an Investigator with my Sheriff’s Office. To date, I have recovered approximately $50,000 in stolen property. As recent as last week, I recovered two stolen guns that were taken in separate burglaries. This is the best tool that has been developed for law enforcement in decades.”

Inv. Kevin Collie
Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office
Arkansas

WWII pistol returned to owner 22 years after being stolen

“Back in 1991…yes, 1991, I was in high school at the time, and the Delhi Township Police were running us off the lot of Burger King, when they weren’t busy taking burglary reports. In this report, the victim had several guns stolen from his residence. One of those guns was a Mauser Broomhandle with a wooden holster that also becomes a stock. It is a highly collectible gun and for trivia purposes, also the one Luke Skywalker and Han Solo’s blasters were modeled after. My old police chief was a detective at the time and he was eventually able to make an arrest in the offense. However, despite every effort he was unable to recover the stolen Mauser Broomhandle. More than 20 years later, a gun collector sold the stolen Mauser Broomhandle to a shop/gun dealer in Covington, Kentucky, and we were notified through LeadsOnline. The victim was notified and he did not blink an eye at paying to get back the gun his deceased father brought back with him from World War II. I met the victim at the store, and he literally had tears in his eyes. He was so overwhelmed by his emotions about getting the pistol back. After this much time, he never thought it would be found. As the victim went to write a check for the gun, the store manager said the gun collector came in and paid the money back. Some things in life are worth more than money, like a family heirloom and LeadsOnline.”

Det. Adam Cox
Delhi Township Police Department
Ohio

Stolen firearms recovered

“I received a call from Phenix, Alabama about a residence that was burglarized where several guns were stolen. Unfortunately, he did not have any of the serial numbers for the stolen guns, but I was able to go back to the store where it purchased in Georgia to obtain the serial number. Ten minutes after I obtained the serial number, I ran it on LeadsOnline and found where the shotgun and one of the other stolen guns were sold in Alabama. I then ran the person’s name through LeadsOnline and found the rest of the stolen guns and property at another shop close by. I forwarded the information to the detective working the case who was able to recover all of the property and obtain warrants for the offender. This case would not have been solved without the assistance of LeadsOnline.”

Det. Tim Busby
Catoosa County Sheriff’s Office
Georgia

Four stolen guns recovered multiple states away

“We have used LeadsOnline for a couple of years now. Using the system, I have recovered several stolen items including a flat screen TV, chainsaws, weed eaters and four stolen guns… some as far away as Texas! It’s a great tool.”

Det. Gary Barton
Reynolds County Sheriff’s Office
Missouri

Kentucky State Police recover stolen firearm in record time

“Kentucky State Police were investigating a residential burglary. There were a few guns stolen along with a custom made gold wolf head pendant. The gold pendant weighed 2 ounces alone and was valued at approximately $4,000. Within hours I located the pendant at a local pawn shop and had a name of a suspect. I have never found a piece of stolen property this fast, and I couldn’t have done it without the help of LeadsOnline!”

CI Anlst. Julia Hicks
Kentucky State Police Post 7
Kentucky

LeadsOnline identifies suspects that other programs cannot

“I was working a series of home invasion robberies in our city. All I had to identify one of the suspects was a phone number and a description. I checked our police database; no record. I checked our pay-for-use online nationwide database; no record. I searched the internet, but only got the city for the cell phone subscriber. When I ran the phone number with LeadOnline, it gave me the name of my suspect, and showed he sold one of the items stolen during the robbery! This information helped me to author a search warrant that led to the recovery of several more stolen items well as four guns, two of which were confirmed stolen. Four people total were charged in the robberies, and the suspect I identified through LeadsOnline gave a confession. He received over six years in prison and agreed to testify against the gunman, who is looking at 21+ years. Thanks LeadsOnline!”

Det. Martin Garland
Bremerton Police Department
Washington

Medford, Oregon PD recover 375 items of stolen property in six months

“In the first six month of the year, the Medford Police Department has recovered 375 items of stolen property. This rapid recovery of stolen property in Oregon is thanks to LeadsOnline. This recovered property is including 130 tools, 84 boxes of ammo and magazines, 13 guns/scopes, 33 cameras/computers/electronics, 72 items of jewelry/commemorative belt buckles and other items.”

Tom Haynie
Medford Police Department
Oregon

LeadsOnline proves successful in returning stolen firearms

“I used LeadsOnline to perform a search for two stolen guns, which led to recovery of those weapons. I performed a name search on a possible suspect to locate the weapons. The weapons have been confiscated for evidence, and the case is now proceeding to prosecution. NO other evidence was found at the crime scene, and only LeadsOnline produced the evidence I needed to name a suspect.”

Det. Matthew Howe
Oakland County Sheriff’s Office
Michigan

Several sentimental guns recovered for victimized family in South Carolina

“I was assigned a Larceny report involving several guns that were stolen from my victim. Although the guns have monetary value to them, they were more sentimental because they were inherited from various family members. The victim provided a name of another family member who he thought may have been responsible for the theft of the guns. I checked LeadsOnline and found he sold 10 stolen guns over the course of a three month period. The majority of the guns had already been sold to a second party by then, but the pawn shop was kind enough to contact the current owners, advise them they were stolen, and offer them store credit so they would not be out any money. I was able to recover all of the stolen guns and signed seven felony warrants on the suspect.”

Inv. Christopher Brumlow
Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office
South Carolina

Property recovered after Kentucky State Trooper’s home was burglarized

“A Kentucky State Trooper’s home was burglarized. Several items were taken including his uniform, badge, duty weapons, military medals, military gear, and his duty taser. I searched LeadsOnline every day attempting to find any of the Trooper’s items. A few weeks later, I got a hit through NCIC on his duty taser in another state. This resulted in the arrest of two individuals that we were also able to connect to five other burglaries. I was then able to search their names through LeadsOnline, and this led us to more possible stolen items. Most of the personal property from these burglaries has been returned to the victims including multiple guns, jewelry, and other items. At this time, we are still recovering property and other charges are pending.”

Analyst Christopher Daniels
Kentucky State Police
Kentucky

LeadsOnline makes catching thieves easier

“A rancher in Webb County reported an expensive saddle, guns, and tools as stolen. Using LeadsOnline, I got a hit on the stolen saddle, assorted carpenters tools, and some drills. Unfortunately, the weapons were not pawned, but the suspect will be brought in for an interview on the whereabouts of the weapons. Thanks LeadsOnline for your help, it really makes my job of catching thieves easier.”

Sgt. David Liendo
Webb County Sheriff’s Department
Texas

Stolen firearms returned to victim within three days of initial theft

“One of our officers took a burglary report where multiple guns were stolen from a residence. I received this case and used LeadsOnline to locate all the weapons at a nearby business. LeadsOnline allowed me to gather more information on a suspect that I was already looking at. After the victim made a positive identification on the weapons, I tracked down the suspect and was able to gather a full confession. This suspect has committed several thefts recently, and I am pleased to announce that his bond has been revoked, and he will be in jail and off the streets for quite some time. Thanks to LeadsOnline, I closed a case with an arrest and returned all property to the victim within three days. Thanks again LeadsOnline.”

Inv. Michael Kane
Weaver Police Department
Alabama

LeadsOnline proves its purpose

“We talked in April about getting LeadsOnline. After our conversation, I made the comment to the other investigators that it was great that LeadsOnline was helping them, but I was ready for a turn. Twenty minutes later, I was assigned a case and LeadsOnline helped me recover two stolen guns in a matter of minutes. Awesome. Thanks again.”

Officer Lanis Geluso
Virginia Beach Police Department
Virginia

AR15 is A-OK after being recovered

“In November, a family had someone enter their home and steal jewelry that was worth several thousands of dollars. They also stole several guns, one being a Rock River AR15. The following March, I got a hit from LeadsOnline on a Rock River AR15 that was sold to a business. The business manager placed the AR15 on hold until I was able to pick it up. The AR15 was taken back to the Kaufman County Sheriff’s property room and it was stored there until the disposition of the property hearing. In April, a property hearing was held in Kemp, Texas. The AR15 was awarded to the victim. I tracked the sale of the gun back to three owners, but the track stopped at a gun show sold by an unknown person. Thanks to LeadsOnline for another property recovery, the victim was very pleased to get her son’s AR15 back, the gun was a present for his 21 birthday. ”

Sgt. C. Sexton
Kaufman County Sheriff’s Department
Texas

Fulton County firearms recovered years later

“Another recovery from using LeadsOnline. The item was stolen in 2013 and recovered 2016. LeadsOnline has helped this department to recover several items including guns. It has also helped in scrap metal thefts in and around the county. It has been a very useful tool and the people I’ve talked with are very helpful and professional. Thanks LeadsOnline!”

Investigator John Cawvey
Fulton County Sheriff’s Office
Arkansas

Local subdivision targeted by crook in several thefts

“There had been several thefts reported in a local subdivision. The items stolen included tools, guns and some mowers. The victims did not have serial numbers on most of the stolen items. By looking up just the name brands of the stolen items in LeadsOnline, we were able to match larceny dates with similar type name brands and items being sold. The suspect was put under surveillance, was arrested and confessed to several of the thefts in the area. Victims were able to go to the businesses and identify their stolen tools. Thanks LeadsOnline!”

Inv. Melanie Bibens
Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office
Virginia

Gun used in attempted murder case recovered 20 years later

“In 1989, Ouachita Parish Sheriff Department worked an Armed Robbery & Attempted First Degree Murder case. During that incident, a Ruger .22 caliber handgun was stolen and was never recovered.

That is, until now. On Feb., 1, 2010 the handgun was pawned in Joshua, Texas. The original Sergeant who worked the case 22 years ago is now our current Sheriff — Royce Toney. The handgun is currently being seized and will be returned to our agency, all thanks to LeadsOnline for alerting us when the handgun was pawned.”

Note: this crime was solved while the department was on the LeadsOnline 30-Day Free Trial.

Staff Sgt. Wade Day
Ouachita Parish Sheriff Department
Louisiana

Stolen gun found one year later with NCIC hit

“On December 29, 2009, I responded to a burglary involving a stolen firearm, a Phoenix .22 caliber semi automatic. I quickly developed a lead and subsequently made an arrest and charged a female with the burglary, however she did not disclose the location of the stolen firearm. Almost exactly one year later, on 27th day of December 2010, the said stolen firearm was recovered in a local pawn shop with the help of LeadsOnline NCIC Hits. Thanks to LeadsOnline for helping take another stolen firearm off the street, and making the community and our police officers safer with the weapon back in our hands and not in the hands of the bad guys.”

Det. C.L. Buttrick
Marmet Police Department
West Virginia

Gun stolen two years ago recovered

“On March 2, 2011, I was checking my NCIC Hits and located a hunting rifle that had been stolen from a house in George County, MS in 2008. The rifle had been pawned at a store in Jackson County, MS. The suspect was already in jail at the time, but this rifle was the last of five that that had been recovered. It is great to be able to return property to people after they have been violated in such a manner. Thanks to LeadsOnline for what you do.”

Det. Jason L. Smith
George County Sheriff’s Department
Mississippi

Violent offender behind bars thanks to LeadsOnline

“Our county had a residential burglary occur in July where the homeowner came home and interrupted the crime. The suspect shot six times at the homeowner’s vehicle and then left the scene. Our burglary victim was able to provide a serial number today and we were able to verify that one of our suspects in the violent crime was one that pawned the stolen items the same day as the crime. The offender is a member of a criminal street gang and will be brought to justice soon. Thank you LeadsOnline.”

Sgt. Mike Helton
Catoosa County Sheriff’s Office
Georgia

Stolen guns, crack cocaine and $10,000 in stolen bikes found via LeadsOnline

“LeadsOnline showed me where a suspect pawned a stolen $1,000 bicycle. We were able to use this information to verify what a confidential informant had told us and write a search warrant. During the warrant we recovered approx. $10,000 in stolen bicycles. During the warrant we also recovered crack cocaine and 4 stolen guns. The house, we later learned from neighborhood residents, was a new crack house and fence for stolen property.”

Det. Ronnie Morgan
Little Rock Police Department
Arkansas

Two burglaries, three auto thefts and drug ring busted

“Thanks to LeadsOnline I was able to solve a burglary in my county, a high profile burglary, three auto thefts, and a dope ring that trades meth for guns. Not to mention the thousands of dollars’ worth of stolen property. All because I ran a suspect’s name on LeadsOnline, four different Texas counties are now taking action based on the suspect activity LeadsOnline provided.”

Det. Cleveland Dominy
Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office
Texas