An 18-year-old Starkville man is accused of stealing a shotgun from Walmart on Highway 12 Saturday some time before noon, then providing a false identity to police once apprehended.
Javante Hendrix was accompanied by his mother during his initial appearance in Starkville Municipal Court on Monday and hugged her with handcuffs on after being read his rights and assigned a public defender.
From the witness stand, Starkville Police officer Donté Thomas said around 11 a.m., a call came in of a black male who had stolen a H&R 1871 12 gauge shotgun from Walmart on Highway 12.
Thomas said officers spotted Hendrix traveling on foot. Officers then pursued Hendrix for about 50 yards, before he hid behind a pillar under the Highway 25 overpass.
Once behind the pillar, they believe Hendrix dropped the shotgun, which was later recovered.
Thomas said once Hendrix was in custody, he provided the name "Tae Macon," along with a false birthday.
Investigators contacted Hendrix’s mother, who confirmed his actual date of birth.
It was also stated in court that Hendrix was out on bond for a burglary charge when he was arrested Saturday.
Hendrix requested a public defender and Municipal Judge Rodney Faver appointed Stephanie Mallette, who was already representing him on the previous burglary charge.
While filling out the indigency paperwork, Hendrix’s mother ask Judge Faver if her son could have a mental evaluation. The judge said the family would have to speak with Mallette for any kind of evaluation to be performed.
The charge of being in possession of a stolen firearm carries a five-year prison sentence and a maximum fine of $10,000.
Providing false information to police carries a maximum sentence of one year in jail and up to a $5,000 fine.
Faver set bond for Hendrix at $20,000.
Hendrix’s next court appearance is scheduled for June 11.