Stolen Handgun Found Under Pillow During SIS Search, Clay County Sheriff Says

CORNING, Ark. — A Clay County man was arrested Friday after deputies said they found a stolen handgun under a pillow during a search.

Gary Hopkins, 65, was taken into custody April 24, 2026, after Clay County sheriff’s deputies went to the 3800-block of County Road 431 in Corning to conduct a suspended imposition search, according to a press release from Clay County Sheriff Ronnie Cole.

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Deputies made contact with Hopkins, who resided at the address, and informed him they were there to conduct a search, the release said.

During a search of the living area, deputies found a stolen 9mm handgun under a pillow on Hopkins’ bed, according to the sheriff’s office. The gun was shown to have been stolen from Piggott.

Hopkins was transported to the Clay County Detention Center and booked on charges of possession of firearm by certain persons, theft by receiving less than $5,000 but more than $1,000, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Court records show Hopkins has convictions for terroristic threatening and felony domestic battery, among other cases.

All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.