Felon accused of taking customer’s gun

By JUDD WEIL

Staff writer

A convicted felon who allegedly told company owners he took a customer’s pistol because he could not legally buy one was arrested June 3 at Jost Fabricating in Hillsboro after the firearm was found in his vehicle.

Ray C. Stringer was arrested after a customer reported a pistol missing from a vehicle.

Police said the firearm was located in Stringer’s vehicle before officers arrived. The county attorney’s office will consider filing charges of firearm theft, criminal possession of a weapon by a felon, and interference with law enforcement.

Chief Jessey Hiebert said company owners told investigators that Stringer had admitted taking the firearm. Hiebert said Stringer later denied involvement when questioned by officers, prompting investigators to seek an interference charge.

“The whole case is going to hinge, to be honest with you, solely upon the fact that, you know, witness statements, the owner’s statements,” Hiebert said.