Casper Police: Woman Hid Stolen Firearm in Toilet Tank

A 19-year-old woman told Casper police officers she hid a stolen handgun in a toilet because she "panicked," as officers approached the apartment where she lives.

Casper police on Wednesday arrested Deja Sunrhodes on recommended charges of aggravated burglary, conspiracy, one count of possession of a controlled substance - marijuana and one count of possession of a controlled substance - methamphetamine.

Police also arrested Josiah Bell, 21, on recommended charges of felony accessory after the fact and possession of a controlled substance - marijuana.

According to a CPD press release, police received a report from a citizen who said Bell tried to sell him a firearm.

According to an affidavit of probable cause, Bell tried to sell the citizen the gun for $70. When the citizen asked why the gun was being sold for so cheap, Bell allegedly said because it was stolen.

Over the course of the investigation, police learned that Bell was living with his girlfriend, Sunrhodes, in an apartment on the Casper College campus.

Police executed a search warrant on the apartment and found the Springfield 9mm handgun in a toilet tank. Police also found marijuana and methamphetamine, according to the affidavit.

According to the affidavit, Sunrhodes left a party to go "car hopping" with a group. At some point, she got into a pickup truck and took a pistol from the driver's side door pocket.

Sunrhodes allegedly took the pistol to Bell, who suggested they get rid of the pistol.

Bell allegedly confirmed to police that he is a member of a gang out of Fort Collins, according to the affidavit. He also allegedly tried to sell the handgun to a minor for $175, according to the affidavit.

"Thankfully, we will never know the types of crimes that could have been committed with this stolen firearm," Casper police detective Anthony Stedille said in the release. "Most auto burglary cases we deal with are crimes of opportunity. Do not leave your valuables and firearms unattended inside your vehicle and always lock your vehicle.

"Help us keep guns out of the hands of criminals."