An anonymous tip Thursday led Roanoke Rapids police to locate a weapon which had been stolen from Elizabeth City last year.

Jamonte Harper, 18, of Roanoke Rapids, was charged with felony possession of a stolen firearm and carrying a concealed weapon.

Chief Shane Guyant said around noon officers responded to a 911 call from a concerned citizen regarding a person later identified as Harper walking around the parking lot near a business at Tenth Street and Georgia Avenue.  

The caller reported the person was concealing a firearm in their waistband. 

Officer P. Dueitt arrived in the area and located the person matching the description inside of a business in the area. 

Dueitt approached Harper and observed the rear base of a large magazine sticking out of his waistband.  

Guyant said Harper initially stated that he did not have a firearm. After detaining Harper for further investigation, the firearm fell down Harper’s pants leg toward his feet. The pistol was not in a holster and was concealed as reported to police.

Master Officer C. Majette arrived and he and Dueitt secured the pistol, which had been stolen from Elizabeth City in August of last year.

Harper received an $8,500 bond and October 24 district court date.

“A special thank you to the concerned citizen who saw something and said something,” Guyant said. “This citizen saw a threat and because of their citizenship there is one less stolen gun on the streets of Roanoke Rapids.  If you see something you think is suspicious you are always encouraged to call 911 and report it.”