At 3 p.m. on Sunday, a Mt. Lake police officer investigated a report of a suspect in possession of a stolen handgun. The suspect, identified as Cody Michael Pitts, 29, of Comfrey, was located at his place of employment in Mt. Lake.
According to a press release issued by the Mt. Lake Police Department, the officer found Pitts sitting in the driver’s seat of his vehicle, appearing lethargic and with a blanket around his lap. There was a strong odor of burnt marijuana emanating from the vehicle and a vape was observed on Pitts’ lap.
The press release said Pitts confirmed the presence of a firearm in the vehicle, specifically a shotgun in the trunk, but denied having a handgun. When instructed to exit the vehicle, Pitts rolled up the window and began reaching around the floorboard.
According to the press release, the officer, upon opening the door, observed an empty handgun holster on the floorboard. Suspecting Pitts was reaching for a handgun, the officer removed him from the vehicle and handcuffed him. Pitts then admitted the handgun was under the driver’s seat.
The press release said a search of the vehicle revealed a loaded Taurus handgun, confirmed as the stolen firearm from Jackson County. Additionally, various marijuana paraphernalia were found inside the vehicle.
Pitts was arrested and booked into Cottonwood County Jail. He faces pending felony charges of possession of a stolen firearm (receiving stolen property), felony in possession of a firearm/ammunition, and open bottle, with DUI charges pending test results.
If convicted of the receiving stolen property charge, he faces a maximum of 20 years and a $100,000 fine. If convicted of the possession of firearm/ammunition charge, he faces 15 years and a $30,000 fine.
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