On the 22nd of August, an unmarked investigator car belonging to the Scott County sheriff was robbed of a 223 rifle made by Lewis Machine & Tool Co., loaded magazines, and tactical medical equipment. The incident occurred in the early hours and there were no indications of forced entry into the SUV, proposing that the car was left unlocked in front of the investigator’s home located in Davenport.
In the back of the SUV was a hard case where the stolen rifle, its ammunition, and other belongings were kept. This particular investigator’s vehicle had the hard case unattached to the frame, making it easy to remove without any difficulty. The culprit was able to take the hard case to a different location and break it open to take the items away.
The SUV stored the rifle, ammunition, and other gear in a secure hard case located at the back. Interestingly, the hard case was not attached to the vehicle’s frame and could be easily removed without exerting any force. This design feature made it convenient to use during tactical operations.
Sheriff Tim Lane expressed his regret over the mistake made and took full responsibility for it. He acknowledged the potential danger the situation poses to the public and other law enforcement officials as the firearm is now in the possession of someone who should not have it.
Authorities are currently conducting an investigation, with the help of local law enforcement agencies, to locate a missing rifle. Despite the information and leads gathered, the rifle has yet to be found. In response, the Sheriff’s Department has taken necessary precautions to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. As part of these measures, the department is ensuring that all of its vehicles are equipped with proper gun-locking mechanisms.
According to Sheriff Lane, a recent order has been issued stating that any weapon that is not properly secured in a vehicle cannot be left in the vehicle when the deputy is unable to protect it. This measure has been put in place to ensure the safety and security of the weapons and prevent any potential misuse or theft. It is an important step towards maintaining accountability and responsibility for the firearms in the possession of law enforcement officers.
Lane commented on the potential consequences that an investigator might face, saying that any disciplinary actions would be handled internally within the sheriff’s office and not disclosed to the public.
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