MEMPHIS, Tenn. — WREG has learned more details about the items stolen from a Memphis Police Department TACT van Saturday in Whitehaven.
Memphis police responded after one of its own reported the theft.
It happened at 4009 South Plaza, the site of the Nike Clearance Store off Elvis Presley.
“It’s kind of scary, bold, kind of bold, big ego you know if you do that,” said shopper Junior Groffo.
MPD confirms crooks broke into the van, unlocked a compartment and stole three guns, ammo and other police gear.
That gear included a holster, gun belt and even handcuffs.
The On Your Side Investigators uncovered more details about those weapons which also include a Remington shotgun and a Bushmaster assault rifle worth $900 alone.
Police records show the shotgun was valued at $400, and the Sig-Sauer P229R DAK valued at $900.
Whoever broke into the van ripped off more than $2500 worth of guns and gear.
“More than likely them guns are in the hands of dope dealers or drug dealers or whatever the heck you want to call them,” said shopper Michael McCullough.
Powerful weapons in the wrong hands and police don’t have any suspects.
Residents worry about more guns being on the streets.
“Got to get them off, got to get them off,” said another customer in the parking lot.
McCullough also added, “I think they need to secure their guns better, if they got guns in their cars, they need to lock them up in the trunk.”
According to MPD, the weapons and items were properly secured.
This is the second time in two months an incident like this has occurred. In June, someone stole a computer and gun from an MPD squad car in Frayser.
When asked about the policy for storing weapons considering the two latest incidents, a spokesperson said they typically review those measures anytime an incident occurs.
The investigation is ongoing, so police wouldn’t provide further details, including why the TACT van was parked at that location and if the officer was on or off duty.
Reports show the van was a 2004 White Ford Econoline E250.