WCNC STAFF

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- An unmarked police vehicle, with several pieces of police-issued equipment inside, was stolen from an apartment parking lot Thursday night.

A detective with the violent crimes task force parked the car at the Courtney Commons Apartments around 9:30 p.m. before he began a foot patrol as part of an off-duty job.

When the detective returned from his patrol, he found his car was missing and he reported it as stolen.

A police vest, a police-issued 12-gague shotgun and Taser, a gas mask, handcuffs and two ammunition magazines were in the vehicle. The police-issued gear was locked in the trunk.

The detective also noticed a white 2001 Dodge Caravan, with the engine running, in the space next to where he had parked his vehicle. At closer inspection, the detective noticed that the van's ignition had been tampered with.

Investigators determined that the van was stolen and the registered owner was informed of its recovery. That person said he had sold the vehicle to another party who has not been notified yet.

The stolen police car is a gray 2004 Dodge Intrepid with N.C. licence plate number VXR-6572. If you have any information about this crime you are asked to call Crime Stoppers at 704-336-1600