HARTFORD -- Police have arrested a suspect in a string of gun thefts from cars.
According to a criminal complaint filed at the Washington County District Attorney's Office, 20-year-old Corey Felder has been charged with two counts of receiving a stolen firearm.
Police in Hartford say in the last two weeks, they've responded to multiple reports of items getting stolen from unlocked cars. In many cases, firearms were taken.
According to the criminal complaint, at least three pistols, one AR-15 rifle, and six 30-round magazines were all stolen since July 17.
Because firearms were among the items stolen, residents and officers in Hartford say it adds another level of concern.
"I've seen some of those concerns on Facebook by people so I would say there probably is a legitimate concern," said Lt. Scott MacFarlan with Hartford Police. "Again, we don't know what the intentions of the individuals are but those firearms are out there."
Police won't say exactly how many guns were taken because they hope to use the information while interviewing additional suspects in the investigation.
The criminal complaint states that police recovered two stolen firearms from Felder's possession, including an AR-15 rifle.
The complaint states that Felder admitted to stealing from cars in Hartford and that he had committed "too many" thefts to remember.
He also told officers, according to the complaint, that he and a friend had stolen guns and ammunition from an unlocked trailer parked outside a restaurant in nearby Dodge County.
"Criminals are opportunists and they're looking for those unlocked vehicles and they're grabbing whatever they can from those vehicles," said Lt. MacFarlan.
MacFarlan advises to always lock your car doors and never leave valuable items, firearms or medications inside your car.
If anyone has information about the thefts in Hartford, police ask that you call 262-673-2600 or if you'd like to remain anonymous, you can call the Washington County Law Enforcement tip line at 1-800-232-0594.
