Zach Buhlke ? convicted as a juvenile of felony arson in connection with the burning of the Island Park Playground ? has been charged with a felony firearm count, according to the Cowley County Attorney’s office.
Buhlke turned himself in this week and later bonded out, according to county attorney Chris Smith. The criminal possession of a firearm charge is based on a visit earlier this month to Buhlke’s residence at the request of his probation officer.
A search of his residence turned up some items, including a firearm.
Buhlke was still on probation for the arson charge based on the burning of the playground in the fall of 2008.
The new charge could mean trouble because Buhlke is a convicted felon and now faces another felony charge. Smith said a decision on any prison time Buhlke might do, if convicted, will be left to a judge.
The suspect has told police that the gun was not his.
