Investigators determine Abingdon man stole guns from burning home shortly after lightning strike

Washington County, Virginia investigators have determined an Abingdon man stole guns from a home shortly after it was set ablaze by a lightning strike.

A report from Sheriff Blake Andis’ office said back in March 2017, Brad Townsend broke into a home on Laura Lee Court while the house was on fire and the owners out of town and got away with several items including firearms.

Those weapons were traced back to the incident when a search warrant was executed last month. Townsend is now charged with breaking and entering, grand larceny, and two counts of possession of firearms by a convicted felon.

(MUGSHOT: WCSO VA)