12/29/15 Gary, IN – Marked Police Car Stolen In Front Of Officer’s Home – Someone Broke The Patrol Car Window To Get It – Found Later

December 29, 2015

chicagotribuen.com

A marked Gary police squad car stolen “sometime overnight” Monday while it was parked outside an officer’s home was recovered Tuesday afternoon, Gary police spokeswoman Lt. Dawn Westerfield said Tuesday.

Although Westerfield said no additional information would be released while the matter was under investigation, the Post-Tribune learned the white, 2010 Ford Crown Victoria was located near 7th Avenue and Jefferson Street.

The car, with full police markings and the number 138 painted on the sides, was parked on Pierce Street near 4th Avenue, just blocks from the Public Safety Facility when the car was discovered missing.

Investigators believe the car thief broke a window to get into the car, which contains a police radio and a computer. No weapons were in the car, however, Westerfield said.

The theft was discovered about 10 p.m. Monday. Cpl. Michael Clark prepared an auto theft report early Tuesday afternoon. The car was locked and there were no keys inside, Westerfield said.

Westerfield had asked the public to watch for the car and call 911 if it was located. She did not say how the car was found.