Pinched Presley pistol found in portable toilet

Last Updated: Tuesday, August 21, 2007 | 1:59 PM ET

CBC Arts

Police have recovered the black, 9-mm Smith & Wesson pistol stolen from the Elvis After Dark exhibit at Graceland, Presley's Memphis estate, amid last week's anniversary celebrations.

The theft was brought to the attention of authorities on Friday, after a fan noticed that a glass panel was unfastened. Surveillance cameras showed a man removing the pistol from the display case around midnight on Aug. 14.

After seeing news reports of the theft, custodial worker Travis Brookins turned the gun over to police.

Brookins told officers that he was cleaning portable toilets behind the exhibit hall last Thursday when he found the gun in the muck. Unaware where the gun had come from, he took it home and cleaned it.  

According to Memphis police, Brookins telephoned in and said he believed he had found the stolen gun. Authorities believe the thief must have dropped the gun into the toilet.  

Last week, thousands of fans and tribute artists converged in Memphis to mark the 30th anniversary of Presley's death.

During a week of concerts, panels, dances, memorials and other Presley-related activities in Memphis, Graceland hosted its first competition of Elvis tribute artists. Shawn Klush, a 38-year-old from Pittston, Pa., was crowned the 2007 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist.