Gun, Badge Stolen From Denver Police Officer's Car
GOLDEN, Colo. (AP/CBS4) - Authorities say a handgun and police badge were stolen from a Denver police officer's personal car parked outside the officer's home in Jefferson County.
The Jefferson County Sheriff's Department says the theft occurred sometime Monday night.
Officials say the car was locked and the officer was inside the home. A car window was broken and a white IKEA brand duffel bag was taken.
The bag contained a Glock handgun, the Denver police badge, a radio, an identification card, other police equipment and personal property.
The sheriff's department didn't release the officer's name.
Police said residents should be careful of law enforcement impersonators.
"If someone is trying to pull you over, someone is trying to contact you, someone is trying to knock at your door, you have the right to actually call 911 and ask if that really is an officer," Ron Hackett with Denver police said.
Police are assisting the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office with the investigation.
Police are also considering what disciplinary actions -- if any -- that officer should face for not securing the weapon or police-issued belongings.
"You're required to carry your gun, but you're also required to secure it as well," Hackett said.
This incident comes just about a week after a Jefferson County sheriff's deputy's gun and similar belongings were stolen from a home.
Anyone with information is asked to call police.
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