Anniston: 18-year-old brings gun to high school football game, gets arrested on federal charges
From the Trussville Tribune staff reports
ANNISTON – Authorities today arrested an 18-year-old Anniston man on federal charges for having a pistol at an Anniston High School football game on Sunday, announced U.S. Attorney Jay E. Town and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Special Agent in Charge Marcus Watson.
ATF agents, assisted by the Anniston Police Department and the Seventh Judicial Circuit Major Crimes Unit, arrested Camron Watkins on a federal criminal complaint charging him with knowingly having a gun within a school zone.
“Anyone who illegally brings a gun to a high school football game is a threat,” Town said. “Federal, state and local law enforcement have joined together to protect our schools and our communities from gun violence. Federal prosecution of gun crimes means real prison time.”
“The partnerships with the Anniston Police Department and the Calhoun County District Attorney’s Office are part of the efforts by ATF’s Crime Gun Intelligence to reduce potential violent crime that impacts our school systems,” Watson said.
“We are thankful to our federal partners ATF and the U.S. Attorney’s office for their tireless work in Anniston,” said Police Chief Shane Denham. “Gun crimes in Anniston will not be tolerated and we are prepared, by any legal means necessary, to pursue, arrest, and prosecute anyone possessing illegal firearms. The Anniston Police Department is committed to making our community a safe environment for all.”
“We are very appreciative of the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the APD working together to quickly address this public safety issue,” said Calhoun County District Attorney Brian McVeigh.
According to an arrest affidavit by ATF Special Agent Eric Hoxter, an Anniston Police officer working the Anniston High School football game on Sept. 28 stopped Watkins after a woman described Watkins to him and said he was carrying a gun. The officer found a loaded Taurus Model PT-709 9mm semi-automatic pistol stuck inside Watkins’ pants.
ATF, in conjunction with Anniston Police and the Calhoun County District Attorney’s Office, investigated the case, which Assistant U.S. Attorney John Geer is prosecuting.
