Rifle stolen from Spokane County deputy’s vehicle

A rifle and other equipment were stolen from a Spokane County Sheriff’s Office vehicle parked in the Indian Trail area sometime over the weekend.

The rifle, a Colt M 16A1, was taken sometime between Dec. 17 and Monday, Crime Stoppers of the Inland Northwest said in a post on its website. Also taken were a portable radio, bulletproof vest, digital camera and personal items belonging to the deputy.

Spokane County Sheriff’s Office Lt. Khris Thompson said the vehicle was parked at a home during that time and the deputy did not have a reason to enter the vehicle. He declined to identify the deputy who the vehicle belonged to.

“We take responsibility. We want to find that rifle,” he said.

Thompson said investigators from the Sheriff’s Office are working to track down the rifle and have asked other law enforcement agencies to forward information to them. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is not involved in the investigation, Thompson said.

Thompson said the rifle is semi-automatic and similar to a guns people could buy in stores or from firearms dealers.

“Anytime a firearm is stolen, we’re very concerned about that,” he said.

It appears the vehicle was locked when it was broken into, Thompson said, but investigators have not been able to determine how thieves entered the vehicle.

Thompson said he’s not aware of any recent incidents where a deputy’s vehicle has been broken into. A Spokane police rifle was stolen from an officer’s vehicle in June.

Crime Stoppers of the Inland Northwest is offering a $1,000 reward for anyone with information about the theft. People with information can call the tip line at (800) 222-TIPS or submit a tip online at crimestoppersinlandnorthwest.org. Tippers are asked to reference incident 15-447382.