The Picayune Police Department responded to a complaint from a local business and arrested a Picayune man for begging on Jan. 26, said Jeremy Magri, assistant to the chief.

“On Jan. 26, at 11:13 a.m. we were dispatched to local business on Memorial Boulevard in reference to begging,” Magri said. “Upon arrival officers spoke with the complainant, who stated a male subject later identified as 42-year-old Bradford Gill, of 214 ½ N. Monroe Ave., came inside the store on approximately Jan. 10 of this year, begging for money.”

The complainant stated that Gill was telling her that he had four kids at home and needed food, Magri said.

“The complainant stated that she felt bad for him and gave him $20. She stated that he then left the store but returned on Jan. 26, with a local preacher who was going to buy him a heater due to the fact that his kids were cold and he was unable to buy them one,” Magri said. “The complainant stated after the preacher purchased the heater and they left the store, that Gill returned shortly after and attempted to return the heater for money.”

Magri said that on the same day, Picayune police got another call about Gill begging at another business and asking them for $80 so he could purchase a battery for his car to transport his children.

“Through our investigation it was learned that Gill has been doing this for some time with similar stories to local businesses and individuals throughout the community,” Magri said. “At this time charges were signed on Gill for begging. He was located on Jan 27, … in the 500 block of (U.S.) Highway 11 North were he was arrested on said charges and transported to the Criminal Justice Center, where he was booked and incarcerated.”

Magri asked that anyone who is approached by this individual or someone like him contact the police department.

“We are asking if you are approached by Gill, or anyone else begging for money, to please immediately notify the police 601-798-7411 and report the incident to the police department so they can come and check the person out to see if they legitimately need help,” Magri said.