NAPLES, Fla. – He was hard to miss and therefore relatively easy to catch.
The manager of a food pantry in Florida called authorities about a “suspicious” man nearby on Dec. 13. He described the man as “approximately 50s, wearing a bulletproof vest, mask, sunglasses, and an FBI hat.”
Sheriff’s deputies got to the scene, which is on the grounds of a school, and were told he was “making people feel uncomfortable.”
The manager said specifically that when he approached, he asked the man “if he was there for food, and he stated no.”
The arrest report continued, “[The manager] stated that the male began speaking incoherently and went into a racial rant. [The manager] stated he then asked the male to leave the area, to what she did shortly after. [The manager] provided deputies a full description of the subject, along with a photo.”
Deputies looked around the neighborhood and reported finding Jean Renold Petithomme “wearing full face covering, sunglasses, a bulletproof vest and an FBI hat.”
Then, a deputy wrote, “I asked him if he had anything illegal on him, and he immediately showed me his CCW [carrying a concealed weapon] permit, which led me to believe that he was carrying a firearm.
“I asked Jean if he was carrying a weapon on him, and he stated that he always has a gun on him. At this time, I asked Jean if I could search him, and he gave me voluntary consent to search his person.
“While searching Jean’s person, I located a black .9 mm Glock handgun [serial number] wrapped in a colorful bandana inside of his right pocket. The handgun also had a full 17 round magazine in it.
“Due to the potential of Jean being on school grounds while armed, detectives were notified and responded to the scene.”
The arrest report continued, “Jean was asked if the handgun was his, and he stated yes.
“Jean was asked why he wears a bulletproof vest, mass, and FBI hat, and he stated that he was previously robbed and wears it for protection. Jean was asked how many guns does he own and he stated just one. Jean was asked if he carries his gun all the time and he stated that he carries everywhere he goes, except when he is at home.
“Jean was asked if he was carrying the gun all day today and he stated yes. Jean was asked if he was at the school where the food pantry was, and he stated that he passed by but didn’t cross the fence. Jean was asked why he was there and he stated that he was just passing by, and wanted to speak to the Haitian lady.”
But the arrest report also said the manager gave authorities video “which showed Jean entering into the school parking lot and walking up to a fence near the area where the food is distributed.”
Petithomme was charged with carrying a concealed weapon into a school, which is a misdemeanor.
Deputies reported taking into evidence the Glock handgun, 17 round magazine with (17) 9.mm rounds, a ballestic vest, face mask (ski mask), FBI hat, sunglasses, and a silver “party police” badge.
Petithomme, who at 68 is well past his 50s, paid $150 cash bond and was released the next day. His arraignment is set for Jan. 8.
He was also given a warning not to return, or be charged with trespassing, per the manager’s request.
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