An Aberdeen man has been arrested in connection with the reported theft of a firearm from a vehicle at a local business, according to the Aberdeen Police Department.
Police said officers responded Feb. 25 to the Coca-Cola plant after receiving a report of a vehicle break-in and a stolen firearm. The victim told officers he had briefly left his vehicle unlocked while making deliveries and returned to see a man inside. The victim reportedly yelled and attempted to chase the suspect, who then fled on foot.
A deputy and K-9 unit from the Moore County Sheriff’s Office assisted in the search but were unable to locate the suspect at that time.
Investigators later reviewed surveillance footage from a nearby gas station and identified the suspect as 33-year-old Eudy Ulloa-Blanco of Aberdeen, who authorities said was known to local officers.
On Feb. 26, warrants were issued charging Ulloa-Blanco with felony breaking or entering a motor vehicle, felony larceny of a firearm, felony possession of a firearm by a felon, and felony possession of a stolen firearm.
Authorities said he was located at his residence Feb. 27 after family members consented to a search of the home. He was taken into custody, and officers later secured a search warrant in an effort to recover the stolen firearm, which was not found.
Ulloa-Blanco appeared before a Moore County magistrate and was given a $40,000 secured bond.
All charges are allegations, and he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
