Detective's Unmarked Washington Car Taken While Warming Up, Police Gun inside
GIG HARBOR - It took just 30 seconds to a minute. In that time, someone stole a Lakewood Police Detective's car with his handgun inside.
"I think it was a crime of opportunity whether somebody drove by or just happened to walk by during that time period that's what we're thinking," said Lt. Bret Farrar from the Lakewood Police Department.
Lakewood Police don't think the thief knew the dark grey unmarked car was a cop car, but the thief would have figured it out quickly. The car was equipped with a police radio. The detective's bulletproof vest was inside and so was the detective's personal handgun, a SIG 45 caliber semi-automatic.
Lakewood police hope someone spots it. There is a $1,000 reward for information that helps police catch the thief.
Police hope the thief dumped it nearby.
The car is a dark grey Taurus with Washington license number 501-TLZ. Lakewood police want to find the car before it or the equipment inside is used in a crime.
A spokesman says the detective is embarrassed, and that's his punishment. He will not face any discipline. He broke no rules by leaving his keys in his car or by leaving his car running.
But in nearby Tacoma, that city made it illegal for anyone to leave their car warming up unattended so as to prevent car theft just like this. Lakewood Police say they will take another look at their rules now.
"This is the reason," said Lt. Farrar. "If you leave your car unattended and running something like this can happen. So, as law enforcement we always tell people not to do that. We have to follow our own advice."