Authorities say the gun used to murder Plumerville assistant police Chief Joey Cannon may have been stolen from an unlocked car at a Conway home. Shane Lonix, the suspect in this case, is also charged with driving a stolen truck at the time of the shooting. Police reports show the keys were left in the ignition.
Conway Police say believe it or not this is not an uncommon occurrence. The day someone shot and killed Plumerville Assistant Police Chief Joey Cannon, police stopped suspect Shane Lonix driving a stolen truck from a home in Jacksonville. The owner of the truck told police she was tired after a long trip and left the keys in the ignition.
This type of theft is also a problem in Conway. "We see it a lot, we see where people leave their vehicles unlocked, un-secure with valuables visible wallets, laptops," says Sharen Carter with Conway Police.
They even leave guns in cars. Someone stole a car from a Conway home and took a .22 caliber gun from another car in the garage. The homeowners aren't sure if they left the garage up but admit leaving the car doors unlocked and keys inside. According to police reports Lonix is a suspect in this case now they're trying to figure out if the .22 stolen from the home is the one used to kill Cannon. The problem is the owner did not have a serial number for the gun. "It's extremely important to record serial numbers on everything from guns to laptops to even coffee maker," says Carter.
Conway Police want to help make recording serial numbers no hassle with the
Personal Property Enhanced Recovery Program. Here's how the program works, you gather all of your valuables and a police officer will come to your home to help you locate and record all the serial numbers. Once that's done you get these stickers to put on your windows to let people know your property is on record with police. "It all starts with the resident or business owner going that extra mile to record those serial numbers it's so important to record those numbers it could make or break a criminal case," Carter said.
Another mistake Carter says people make is leaving their garage door openers inside cars that are sitting in their driveways. She says you need to take them inside. Officer Carter also suggests you that you
keep a list of your valuables and serial numbers in a safe place in your home. You can get more information on the Conway Police Department Personal Property Enhanced Recovery Program by calling the department or
visiting their website.
