Off-Duty Deputy's Gun Stolen From His Unlocked Car
STOCKTON (CBS13) – Authorities say that an off-duty San Joaquin County Sheriff's Office deputy's loaded gun was stolen from his car Wednesday morning.
The incident happened along the 3500 block of W. Hammer Lane in Stockton around 6:30 a.m., according Joe Silva with the Stockton Police Department. Apparently, the deputy had left his car unlocked while he went inside of a nearby store.
A man is then said to have gotten into the car, taking the deputy's backpack. Inside the backpack was the deputy's loaded handgun, as well as handcuffs and a flashlight, police say.
The deputy reportedly saw the theft happen and ran out to confront the man, and a woman he was with, as they were trying to drive away. Silva notes that the deputy broke off his pursuit after he saw the suspect reach into the backpack, fearing that he might be reaching for the gun.
The deputy has not been placed on administrative leave and has been given a backup gun. An internal affairs investigation is ongoing into the theft.
Police say that the car the suspects were in is a dark blue or black 2013 Dodge with the plate number 6YMV693.