Rifle, other items stolen from unmarked patrol car, Howey-in-the-Hills police say

Lieutenant finds driver's window of his unmarked patrol car busted out

UNINCORPORATED TAVARES, Fla. – Authorities are investigating after a rifle, ammunition and other items were stolen from a lieutenant's unmarked patrol car, the Howey-in-the-Hills Police Department said.

The lieutenant found the driver's window of his unmarked patrol car busted out and the rear hatch opened at 8 a.m. Saturday. Police said the vehicle was securely locked and parked in the front yard of his residence.

The lieutenant called the Lake County Sheriff's Office about the break-in, police said. The Sheriff’s Office's crime scene unit processed the vehicle.

Police said the vehicle was ransacked and the following items were stolen from it:
-M-16 A2 rifle
-Four rifle magazines
-Tactical ballistic vest
-Uniform vest carrier with ballistic vest inside
-Trauma kit
-Two .45-caliber magazines

The rifle was kept inside a soft case and was stored according to agency policy, police said.

The Sheriff's Office will be investigating the burglary and theft, police said. Lake County deputies have asked that anyone with information call the Sheriff's Office or Central Florida Crimeline at 800-423-TIPS.


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Troy Blevins is a Digital Content Editor who has been with Graham Media Group since 2012.