The Izard County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to Pine Tree Road in Oxford on Saturday, August 21 at 3:03 p.m. for a welfare check on David M. Pettijohn.
Deputies were warned before arriving on the scene that Pettijohn was believed to be suicidal, possibly under the influence of alcohol and in possession of numerous firearms. Pettijohn is a convicted felon.
Deputies arrived on the scene and observed that a truck had been parked across the driveway blocking access.
Officers were forced to proceed to the residence on foot and made contact with Pettijohn via telephone. Law enforcement learned that Pettijohn did in fact have multiple guns inside the residence but he agreed to walk outside, unarmed.
Pettijohn exited the home wearing body armor with five loaded rifle magazines affixed to the front according to authorities. Pettijohn was searched before speaking with the deputy.
Deputies escorted Pettijohn back into the residence and saw an AR 15 propped up against the furniture along with three loaded AR 15 magazines lying on the couch near the weapon.
Pettijohn agreed to seek medical treatment for his mental Health according to officers.
Law enforcement obtaining a search warrant, deputies found a gun safe, seven firearms, tactical body armor, a set of brass knuckles, 780 rounds of ammunition all which were seized.
Pettijohn has been charged with seven counts of Possession of Firearms by Certain Persons (a class B felony), one count of Criminal possession of body armor (a class D felony, and one count of Criminal Use of Prohibited Weapons (a class D felony).
Pettijohn has also been charged as a habitual offender who has been convicted of four or more felony charges.