Freeport and Gilpin police clear Second Street Park after gun was found earlier

Out of an abundance of caution, Freeport police brought in Gilpin police and their police dog Monday to check for weapons after a gun was found earlier in Second Street Park.

“At no time was there ever a viable threat to public safety,” Freeport Police Chief Chris Fabec said.

A resident alerted police March 6 about a gun found behind the baseball field scoreboard in Second Street Park.

The 12-gauge shotgun was resting on the back of the scoreboard; it could not be reached from the ground.

Police climbed the scoreboard to retrieve the shotgun, which was unloaded.

They unsuccessfully tried to track ownership and found the gun wasn’t reported as stolen, Fabec said. Registration for that variety of firearms isn’t required, he added.

After police found the shotgun, officers searched the park for additional weapons in the park’s bathrooms, bleachers and the area around the shed and concession stand, Fabec said. Nothing was found.

After receiving numerous calls from residents concerned about the potential of finding more weapons during spring activities, Freeport police conducted a sweep Monday of Second Street and Riverside parks.

Gilpin police officers assisted Freeport with their police dog, Fabec said.

Freeport Mayor James Swartz and Council President Clinton Warnick didn’t immediately return calls for comment Tuesday afternoon.