Pawn shop burglary leads to Tupelo arrest

WILLIAM MOORE, Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal, Tupelo
·1 min read

TUPELO – The suspect in the burglary of a Tupelo business could face federal weapons charges as well.

Tupelo police responded to Mike’s Pawn on West Main Street on Thursday, May 9, in reference to a business burglary. The responding officers cleared the building and spoke with the business owner. Management reported that two firearms were stolen during the burglary.

The investigation led police to Lance Montorra Smith, 37, of East 10th Street, Verona. He was arrested May 10 and charged with burglary of a commercial building. During his initial appearance the same day, Tupelo Municipal Court Judge Jay Weir set bond at $35,000.

Since the business is a federally licensed firearm dealer, the case is also being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with further charges pending at this time.