NATCHEZ — After allegedly stealing a rifle from a South Pearl residence and ditching it in Memorial Park in the middle of the afternoon, a Natchez man has been arrested.

Natchez Police Chief Mike Mullins said Carson Johnson, 50, 11 Claiborne St., was reportedly spotted taking a rifle from inside a residence at 3:20 p.m. on Wednesday.

The witness watched Johnson walk toward Memorial Park and then contacted the police.

Mullins said police officers began searching for Johnson and found him on Abbott St.

Johnson was taken back to the scene of the crime to be identified by the witness.

From there, he was arrested and charged with burglary of a residence.

The stolen rifle was located under some trees in Memorial Park, Mullins said.

Johnson is being held without bond until arraignment at the Natchez Police Department.

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