The deputy apparently had a senior moment when he drove off with an AR-15 and 3 loaded mags sitting on top of the trunk of his patrol car. Good thing this happened in Aliso Viejo/Laguna Hills and not Santa Ana.
ALISO VIEJO ? An Orange County Sheriff?s Department patrol deputy lost an AR-15 rifle late Tuesday night after placing it on the trunk of a patrol vehicle before becoming distracted and driving away. It was seven hours later when he realized the gun was gone.
It has yet to be found.
Around 7 p.m. the deputy was preparing to start a shift at the Aliso Viejo station, at 11 Journey. While doing so, he placed the AR-15 rifle -- stored in a black nylon bag with three loaded magazines, each of which can hold up to 30 rounds of amunition -- on the car?s trunk. He drove off before securing it in his vehicle, according to officials.
The deputy realized the rifle was missing around 3:15 a.m. Wednesday. Since then, reserve deputies, bloodhounds and investigative personnel have been searching the streets he drove on, including in parts of Laguna Hills.
Officials described the gun as a black Colt, semi-automatic AR-15, .223 caliber with a 20-inch barrel. Its serial number is A0091856.
Forty percent of patrol deputies carry similar weapons, Sheriff Lt. Jeff Hallock said. Hallock estimated its worth at approximately $1,500.
?The deputy indicated that he drove on several streets in both the cities of Aliso Viejo and Laguna Hills; however, was unable to pinpoint a specific location where the rifle may have been lost,? according to a department statement.
The Sheriff?s Department would not comment on whether the deputy was placed on leave or was suspended from his duties following the loss.
?I can?t discuss personnel issues,? Hallock said.
Officials said if someone is found in possession of the assault rifle instead of turning it into police, it could result in jail time.
Anyone with information or who locates the weapon is asked to immediately call the Orange County Sheriff?s Department at 714-647-7000. Anonymous tips may also be submitted to Orange County Crime Stoppers at 1-855-TIP-OCCS.
ALISO VIEJO ? An Orange County Sheriff?s Department patrol deputy lost an AR-15 rifle late Tuesday night after placing it on the trunk of a patrol vehicle before becoming distracted and driving away. It was seven hours later when he realized the gun was gone.
It has yet to be found.
Around 7 p.m. the deputy was preparing to start a shift at the Aliso Viejo station, at 11 Journey. While doing so, he placed the AR-15 rifle -- stored in a black nylon bag with three loaded magazines, each of which can hold up to 30 rounds of amunition -- on the car?s trunk. He drove off before securing it in his vehicle, according to officials.
The deputy realized the rifle was missing around 3:15 a.m. Wednesday. Since then, reserve deputies, bloodhounds and investigative personnel have been searching the streets he drove on, including in parts of Laguna Hills.
Officials described the gun as a black Colt, semi-automatic AR-15, .223 caliber with a 20-inch barrel. Its serial number is A0091856.
Forty percent of patrol deputies carry similar weapons, Sheriff Lt. Jeff Hallock said. Hallock estimated its worth at approximately $1,500.
?The deputy indicated that he drove on several streets in both the cities of Aliso Viejo and Laguna Hills; however, was unable to pinpoint a specific location where the rifle may have been lost,? according to a department statement.
The Sheriff?s Department would not comment on whether the deputy was placed on leave or was suspended from his duties following the loss.
?I can?t discuss personnel issues,? Hallock said.
Officials said if someone is found in possession of the assault rifle instead of turning it into police, it could result in jail time.
Anyone with information or who locates the weapon is asked to immediately call the Orange County Sheriff?s Department at 714-647-7000. Anonymous tips may also be submitted to Orange County Crime Stoppers at 1-855-TIP-OCCS.