Authorities are trying to figure out how a rifle reported as lost by the Pharr Police Department back in 2008 ended up in the hands of three men arrested outside a Mission supermarket.
Alfredo Cisneros, Celestino Trejo and Ray Reyes are behind bars under unlawful possession of a firearms charges.
The three men had reportedly exchanged two handguns and one rifle outside Foy’s Supermarket in Mission on Friday when police arrived at the scene.
Pharr police revealed on Monday that the 9mm Beretta storm rifle seized from the scene belonged to the Pharr Police Department.
Investigators said the rifle was one of two reported as lost during a 2008 inventory.
It’s not clear how the three men ended up with the weapon.
Pharr police said they are working with the Mission Police Department and cooperating with the investigation.
Pharr Police released the following statement:
The department recognizes this matter as a serious concern and is working with the Mission Police Department in the investigation.
The Pharr Police Department has implemented new procedures and presently issues every officer their personally assigned patrol rifle and handgun. This procedure has led to increased management, accountability and control of department issued and owned firearms.
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