MNPD Civilian Security Guard Charged With Stealing Firearm

A civilian MNPD security guard at headquarters has been charged with stealing a firearm that was turned in by a citizen to the guard station. Justin Hawkins, 42, a 7-year employee, called dispatch asking for a Hermitage Precinct officer to pick up the citizen's two unwanted firearms.

The following morning an officer responded to MNPD Headquarters where Hawkins gave her one handgun and ammunition. When she inquired about the second weapon, Hawkins retrieved it from his personal backpack.

Hawkins subsequently admitted that he put the handgun into his backpack with the intention of keeping it.

He was charged with theft of a firearm and is currently out on a $1,500 bond.