Man arrested with several firearms near Pineville Elementary

A man was arrested near Pineville Elementary School Tuesday after he was found in possession of firearms, including several pistols and rifles, in his vehicle. 51-year-old Tommy Eastburn, of Rocky Comfort, now faces two counts of unlawful use of a weapon and a count of a possession of a controlled substance.

Pineville Elementary School staff noticed a suspicious vehicle and subject in the parking lot adjacent to the school.The parking lot sits between the school and the courthouse and is part of the school property. School staff notified the principal who went out to check on the man and heard what he knew to be either a gun being chambered and or loaded. The principal then called police and Eastburn left the area before being stopped.

The McDonald County Sheriff’s Office believes there was not a direct threat to the school or any students. The investigation continues by the Pineville Marshal’s office.