Update Feb. 2: During the afternoon hours of Feb. 1, officers of the Peachtree City Police Department responded to the Holy Trinity Catholic Church on Walt Banks Road in reference to a rifle that was located on the premises by a church member. The “AR-15-style rifle” was located concealed underneath a jacket in the chapel, according to the police incident report.

Department spokesman Chris Hyatt said investigators worked diligently through the night and were able to locate the owner of the rifle.

“Through the course of the investigation, it was determined that a female who suffers from mental illness and diminished mental capacity resides with the owner of the firearm and was responsible for leaving the rifle at the church,” said Hyatt.

“She informed investigators that she was uncomfortable with the rifle in the home, so she discarded the rifle at a location where she believed it would be handled safely,” Hyatt said. “It was determined that this individual has a pattern of similar behavior in the past with other various items that she had removed from the home. Investigators found no indication that she intended to use the rifle or participate in any sort of violent activity. Investigators will be conferring with the Fayette County District Attorney’s Office regarding any possible charges that may be pending.”

We believe this to be an isolated incident with no further cause for concern for the public at this time, said Hyatt.

“We encourage our citizens to remain vigilant and aware of their surroundings at all times. Reporting suspicious activity such as this incident is what helps us keep our city as safe as possible,” said Hyatt. “The Peachtree City Police Department would also like to thank the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance in bringing this matter to a timely conclusion.”

Original story: Peachtree City police are investigating the details involving an assault rifle found concealed under a jacket in the chapel Saturday afternoon at Holy Trinity Catholic Church on Walt Banks Road.

Peachtree City Police Department spokesman Chris Hyatt said officers responded to Holy Trinity Catholic Church during the afternoon hours regarding an assault rifle that was found concealed under an unattended jacket in the chapel.

Hyatt said investigators are working diligently to determine who placed the firearm there and what their intentions may have been.

“As always, we encourage citizens to be aware of their surroundings and report suspicious activity to law enforcement immediately,” Hyatt said.