PRENTISS COUNTY – A Falkner man is facing a felony weapons charge after authorities responded to a reported shoplifting incident at Tractor Supply, according to the Prentiss County Sheriff’s Department.
Dispatchers received a report Aug. 13 of a possible shoplifter described as a white man carrying a black backpack who had fled on foot toward New China Buffet.
Constable Bryon Parker, who was nearby, responded along with officers from the Booneville Police Department.
Authorities said Parker found 37-year-old Jonathan Decanter of Falkner attempting to hide behind the restaurant.
During a pat-down, Parker recovered a set of brass knuckles and a pocketknife from Decanter’s clothing, according to the sheriff’s department.
Investigators said a search of Decanter’s backpack uncovered multiple unopened merchandise items, a second set of brass knuckles and a large fixed-blade knife.
Walmart and Tractor Supply employees told authorities they planned to review surveillance footage and anticipated filing shoplifting charges.
Further investigation determined Decanter is a convicted felon from Tippah County, according to the sheriff’s department.
Authorities said Decanter later admitted to stealing several items from a local flea market, including the brass knuckles.
He was formally charged with possession of a weapon by a convicted felon.
Justice Court Judge Ray Hall set Decanter’s bond at $5,000.
The case will be presented to the next Prentiss County grand jury.
Decanter is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
