Area police officer arrested in connection with firearm theft

A Marlin police officer was arrested Monday in connection with the theft of a firearm, Department of Public Safety Sgt. D.L. Wilson said in a press release Monday evening.

Officer Tavis Cuthrell, 26, was booked into the Falls County Jail on Monday after being arrested on a warrant charging theft of a firearm by a public servant, according to Marlin police Chief Damien Eaglin.

Eaglin said the weapons were stolen from the department's armory, but it is not clear what kind of weapons were stolen.

However, Eaglin said they were not evidentiary weapons that were a part of any case.

Eaglin said only Marlin Police Department employees have access to the weapons and they had not been assigned out.

Eaglin said he made the discovery while doing inventory, which the department conducts at least twice a year.

The Texas Rangers are assisting the Marlin Police Department in the investigation of the theft, Wilson said, but no further details were released.