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 regarding a vehicle break-in and a reported stolen firearm.
According to authorities, the victim told officers he was making deliveries and had momentarily left his vehicle unlocked with a firearm inside. He reportedly saw a man inside the vehicle, yelled at him, and attempted to chase him before the suspect fled on foot.
A deputy and K-9 unit from the Moore County Sheriff’s Office responded to assist but were unable to locate the suspect, police said.
Officers reviewed surveillance footage from a nearby gas station and allegedly identified the suspect as Eudy Ulloa-Blanco, 33, of Aberdeen, who authorities said was “known to Aberdeen officers.”
On Feb. 26, warrants were obtained 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, according to police.
Authorities said Ulloa-Blanco was located Feb. 27 at his residence after family members reportedly gave consent to search the home. He was taken into custody, and officers later obtained a search warrant for the residence in an attempt to recover the stolen firearm, which was reportedly not located.
Ulloa-Blanco was taken before a Moore County magistrate and given a $40,000 secured bond.
All charges are allegations, and Ulloa-Blanco is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
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Contributed by the Aberdeen Police Department.
