Guns Stolen From Law Enforcement Vehicles In Norman

Authorities warn that firearms were stolen out of law enforcement vehicles in Norman.

It happened during a rash of auto burglaries on February 19 at several apartment complexes off HW9 and 12th Ave. S.E.

Investigators do not have any suspects but call these thieves brazen.

"If you will go after marked police cars, then you will go after anything," Norman Police Captain Tom Easley said.

Norman Police and Cleveland County Sheriff's cars were both hit during the smash and grab burglaries.

"There were several other cars that had been broken into, but it didn't appear anything had actually been taken," Easley said the thieves appeared to only be after items in police vehicles.

Two AR-15s marked with Norman Police insignia were taken. Easley said the weapons are kept under lock and key while stored in the police cars.

"I go on my soapbox periodically and say if you don't want it stolen then don't leave it in your car, but the fact is all of these officers were within policy regulation," Easley said the theft prompted some changes.

Norman Police have been ordered to remove the guns from their vehicles when parked at home.

"It's a bit embarrassing in the first place, and it would be even more embarrassing if they are used in a crime," Easley added.

Anyone with information is encouraged to call the Norman Crime Stoppers Hotline at 405-366-7867 or Detective Gary Hopcus at 405-366-5223.

A cash reward may be issued if the information leads to the identification and arrest of the suspects.

News 9 learned of the stolen guns through a press release sent out by Norman Police. Complete release below:

"During the early morning hours of Wednesday, February 19, 2014, someone broke into three marked law enforcement vehicles—one from the Cleveland County Sheriff's Department and two from Norman Police Department—parked in the southeastern area of Norman.  The person or persons responsible stole a Cleveland County Sheriff's Departmental issued jacket, a Kevlar helmet, a black tactical vest, and two AR-15 assault rifles with attached accessories.  The rifles are easily identifiable; they both have the Norman Police Department patch engraved on the lower receivers. 

Anyone with information is encouraged to call the Norman Crime Stoppers Hotline at (405) 366-7867 or Detective Gary Hopcus at (405) 366-5223.  A cash reward may be issued if the information leads to the identification and arrest of the suspects."