By CINDY BISHOP

cindy.bishop@gaflnews.com

CORDELE — Police officers investigating a report of terroristic threats and acts recovered a handgun that was stolen out of a vehicle here more than six years ago.

The gun, a Smith & Wesson .357 revolver was among several items reported stolen by a local homeowner on Jan. 8, 2002. It was found Monday evening at a hotel while police were interviewing 32-year-old Lonnie Hoskins of Arabi for allegedly threatening his child’s mother.

Hoskins’ ex-girlfriend called police Monday saying that he had come to her residence, threatened her and showed her a gun. He left, and police were able to track him down to a room at the Athens Motel.

While interviewing him about what had occurred earlier, officers asked whether or not he owned a handgun, to which he answered no. Hoskins agreed to let officers look in his car, but refused to let them look in his motel room.

Again he was asked if he owned a handgun. At this time he told officers that in fact he did have a gun and that it was in one of the dresser drawers in the room. The gun was collected and taken as evidence.

Officers then transported Hoskins to the police department to continue the investigation.

During an interview, Hoskins admitted to being at his ex’s house earlier in the day, but said he didn’t take the gun with him. He was asked why he lied about having the gun when officers asked him about it at the motel. He said he was scared because he’d bought the gun on the street, and it wasn’t registered.

While Hoskins was being interviewed, officers learned that there were several witnesses to him pulling the gun out at his ex-girlfriend’s house. The witnesses were questioned and were able to verify the complainant’s story.

Hoskins was then charged with terroristic acts and taken to the Crisp County Detention Center.