The Texarkana Arkansas Police have released a statement that it is possible that more of these illegal weapons could be in our community, and want to make you aware.
From a TAPD Press Release:
On 3/24/16 the Bi-State Narcotics Task Force, assisted by FBI Agents from the Texarkana Arkansas Regional Office, and members of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives from Little Rock, arrested Skip Lomax and charged him with illegally possessing a fully automatic weapon and a destructive device (hand grenade). These items were seized by law enforcement and sent away for testing by the BATFE. Mr. Lomax is currently in the custody of U. S. Marshals and is awaiting trial.
The BATFE has contacted our agency and confirmed that the suspected machine gun, (a “CZ-25” 7.62x25mm) functioned properly and fired fully automatic. It is still unknown where this weapon came from and the investigation is ongoing.
In addition to this the hand grenade seized in the investigation was tested and deemed to be fully functional. It was referred to by BATFE agents as a “dead-man’s grenade” because once the pin was pulled the grenade fuse detonated immediately without the customary delay. It is suspected that persons unknown rebuilt a “curio and relic” grenade that had been disabled.
In the interest of public safety, and after consulting with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, we are releasing this information to the public due to the fact that we have received information that there may be more of these devices out there. If detonated, similar grenades would undoubtedly injure or kill the person who tried to use it, along with anyone nearby.
If anyone has any information relating to this or any other felony crime please call the Texarkana Arkansas Police Department, or CrimeStoppers at (903)793-STOP. All callers will remain anonymous.
The charges pending against Skip Lomax are only allegations. A person is presumed innocent unless or until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Thank you and you can visit the Texarkana Arkansas Police Department online at http://www.txkusa.org/arkpolice.
