BATON ROUGE - Three people were arrested after several firearms were stolen from a Baton Rouge pawn shop with the intent of using them to harm police during protests, according to Baton Rouge Police Chief Carl Dabadie.
The Cash America Pawn Shop in the 3300 block of Government Street was robbed Saturday night and 17-year-old Antonio Thomas was apprehended at the scene. Police said the suspects included a 13-year-old.
Police said Thomas told them he and three other people stole the firearms and were going to get bullets to shoot police.
Also arrested were Trashone Coats, 23 and Malik Bridgewater, 20. Police believe Coats purchased the guns illegally from the suspects and was charged with illegal possession of a stolen firearm.
A fourth suspect remains at large. Police said they do not know the identity of the suspect.
Six guns have been recovered, and two others remain at large.
"We took this as a very viable threat," said BR Police Chief Carl Dabadie. "We have received questions as to why we used such a show of force during weekend protests, this is why."
East Baton Rouge sheriff Sid J. Gautreaux said the credible threat, coupled with what happened in Dallas, where a dozen officers were shot in an ambush, is the reason officers were more highly-equipped.
"What you saw was because of the very real and viable threats against law enforcement," said Gautreaux. "Look what happened in Dallas."
All of the officials at the press conference said that they are supportive of peaceful protests.
"Police have used incredible restraint, considering the circumstances," said State Police Colonel Mike Edmonson.
