Barnstable Police Detective Investigated After Leaving Her Firearm in Public Juvenile Court Restroom

ABOVE: HN file photo of a Barnstable Police squad car blocking traffic at a recent car crash… HYANNIS, MASSACHUSETTS – A Barnstable Police Department detective has been the subject of an internal investigation after reportedly leaving her firearm unattended in a public restroom at Barnstable Juvenile Court last week, according to sources and confirmation from department officials. Hyannis News began looking into the incident earlier this week following tips from multiple civilian and law enforcement sources. The firearm was discovered by one of the court’s language translators, rather than a juvenile, and was promptly turned over to court officers for securing, based on emails and text messages from those sources. On Tuesday, December 16, Hyannis News reached out to Barnstable Police officials for confirmation and additional details. A department lieutenant responded by phone, stating that the department had no comment at the time. He relayed a message from Police Chief Jean Challis, paraphrased as: Hypothetically, if such an incident were under investigation, the department would not comment until it was complete.  Amid growing concerns from old and new sources, HN continued to investigate the matter. By Friday, December 19, Hyannis News exchanged text messages with Lt. Kevin Fullam of the Barnstable Police Department, leading to a phone conversation where Lt. Fullam confirmed the incident had occurred at Barnstable Juvenile Court. He emphasized that the matter was taken very seriously, with the department initiating an investigation immediately.  Lt. Fullam stated that the investigation has now concluded and the findings are being addressed administratively, marking the case as closed. During the discussion, Lt. Fullam indicated that the incident did not appear to be malicious and did not involve alcohol or other factors that might suggest a higher degree of recklessness. He also noted that the detective regained possession of her firearm relatively quickly, though he was unable to provide a more precise timeline, suggesting that details from the internal investigation could potentially be obtained through an official public information request. The name of the detective involved has not been officially released, nor have the specific administrative consequences resulting from the investigation. P.S. – Today’s Hytown Vignette is brought to you by UB40… [CLICK IT/CRANK IT! HEADPHONES ABSOLUTELY OBLIGATORY!] Ivory Madonna, dying in the dust Waiting for the manna coming from the west Barren is her bosom, empty as her eyes Death a certain harvest scattered from the skies Skin and bones is creeping, doesn’t know he’s dead Ancient eyes are peeping, from his infant head Politicians argue sharpening their knives Drawing up their bargains, trading baby lives [Chorus] Ivory Madonna, dying in the dust Waiting for the manna coming from the west Hear the bells are ringing, Christmas on its way Hear the Angels singing, what is that they say? Eat and drink rejoicing, joy is here to stay Jesus son of Mary is born again today [Chorus] Ivory Madonna, dying in the dust Waiting for the manna coming from the west Ivory Madonna, dying in the dust Waiting for the manna coming from the west