Arrested on a felony charge of possession of a stolen firearm

On Saturday, June 22, 2024, Harrison County Sheriff Matt Haley announced the arrest of 41-year-old Jason Michael Vanburen of New Orleans, Louisiana on a felony charge of Possession of a Stolen Firearm.

On June, 22, 2024 at approximately 12:50 pm, the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Division, that were assigned to the Scrapin the Coast event, conducted a traffic stop in the parking lot of the Edgewater Mall in Biloxi, on a Ford Mustang for a careless driving and expired license plate violation.

Investigators contacted the driver, identified as Jason Michael Vanburen. A subsequent search of his vehicle revealed he was in possession of two handguns and multiple gun magazines, one of which was an extended round magazine loaded with over (50) rounds.

An inquiry on the handguns revealed that one of the handguns was entered as stolen through the New Orleans Police Department.

Vanburen was arrested and charged with the felony charge of Possession of a Stolen Firearm and other traffic violations.

Vanburen was transported and booked into the Harrison County Jail held in lieu of a $20,000.00 surety bond.

The bond was set by Harrison County Justice Court Judge Brandon Ladner. The Biloxi Police Department assisted in the investigation.