Michael D. Moody(Cushing) - A Cushing man has been arrested and charged with firearms violations after a Friday morning incident at the Cushing Wal-Mart. According to a news release from the Cushing Police Department, Cushing resident Michael D. Moody, WM, 42, was arrested early Friday morning after a Wal-Mart employee observed him acting suspiciously. A jacket that was allegedly being worn by Moody, and left behind on a store rack, concealed a loaded handgun, which was discovered by the alert Wal-Mart employee. Cushing police Sgt. Jack Ford and MPO Bill McCarty responded to the store and began an investigation, which resulted in Moody's arrest.
When contacted by police, Moody appeared to be under the influence because he had slurred speech, bloodshot eyes, and he was somewhat unsteady on his feet. Moody told police that he had taken an over the counter medication, but denied taking anything illegal.
During the investigation, a .380 caliber handgun was found in the jacket Moody had allegedly been wearing. The handgun was seized by police and taken as evidence.
Deputy Police Chief Tully Folden said, "I want to commend the alert Wal-Mart employee who began observing Moody acting suspiciously inside the store. The actions of this employee allowed us to remove a handgun from the store and an intoxicated Moody. This certainly reflects well on the training Wal-Mart provides their employees. I commend Sgt. Ford and MPO McCarty for their quick response and thorough handing of this investigation in cooperation with Wal-Mart. This arrest continues to reflect our commitment to a safe, livable Cushing."
Moody was booked into the Cushing jail on complaints of possession of a loaded firearm while intoxicated, possession of a concealed firearm without a license, and public intoxication. Moody was later taken to the Payne County jail where he remains this morning in lieu of a $2,500 bond. Moody is expected to appear in court this afternoon to be formally arraigned.
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