FRANK LEWIS

PDT Staff Writer

A Wheelersburg resident returned to his home Tuesday to find a bedroom door closed and the family dog trying to get inside. When the door was opened, the resident reported finding three hunting bows that had been hung up, lying on the bed, and a gun case and safe open.

Reported missing from the gun case were a .32 caliber Iver Johnson pistol with a black handle and possibly “1948” stamped on the side, valued at $400; an Army-issued Black Powder .44 caliber pistol, described as blue with a red handle and valued at $400; an H&R .22 caliber blue snub nose revolver with a red handle, also valued at $400; $2,000 cash was missing, as well as Case pocket knives, valued at $100, and assorted collectible coins.

Scioto County Sheriff Marty Donini said gun thefts, like the majority of other thefts in the region, are typically drug-related.

“We believe a lot of the guns stolen from area residences are being used in the course of drug deals,” Donini said. “In other words, instead of paying cash, they might pay with guns.”

Frank Lewis may be reached at 740-353-3101, ext. 232, or at flewis@heartlandpublications.com.