ORLANDO, Fla. — An undercover car and guns belonging to an Orange County deputy were targeted by thieves over the weekend, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office said.
Thieves stole the car with the guns inside Saturday, deputies said.
Deputies car has been recovered, but guns stolen. The search for the crooks #breaking. only on @WFTV.
— Shannon Butler (@SButlerWFTV) June 13, 2017
The deputy parked the Toyota Camry at Fun Spot America and went inside the park, but when he returned to the parking lot, the car was missing.
Deputies said they found the vehicle 30 minutes later on International Drive, but the deputy's personal weapon, his agency-issued Glock and his tactical vest were missing, along with a submachine gun and a Smith and Wesson handgun that belonged to the department.
Also missing were two narcotics shirts and a tactical vest with body armor and a sheriff’s star.
The deputy told Orlando police detectives that he locked the car, investigators said.
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office is taking over the investigation.
Deputies issued a “be on the lookout,” or BOLO, alert to let surrounding agencies know about the missing weapons.
Deputies car stolen from local attraction @WFTV at noon.
— Shannon Butler (@SButlerWFTV) June 13, 2017
International Drive has been plagued by vehicle burglaries in recent years.
It's unknown if the thieves knew the vehicle belonged to a deputy.
Orange County Sheriff’s Office policy requires weapons be removed from undercover cars when the deputy is not on duty and their vehicle is left unattended.
The Sheriff's Office said internal investigations will be conducted.
Cox Media Group
