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Police investigate how a handgun ended up in driver’s bumper

A handgun became embedded in the front bumper of a car Wednesday, May 23, 2018, in Lakewood, Wash. The Washington State Patrol says a driver on Interstate 5 near Tacoma, Wash., saw a small object strike the front of his car during his evening commute. When he stopped for gas later, he saw that it was a handgun. The weapon was embedded in his bumper, barrel-end first, with the trigger sticking out just below the driver’s-side headlight. The driver notified the Washington State Patrol, who recovered the gun, which was missing its magazine. (AP)
Associated Press

LAKEWOOD, Wash. – Talk about gunning the engine.

Authorities say a driver near Tacoma, Washington, saw an object strike the front of his car during his evening commute Wednesday. When he stopped for gas 18 miles later, he discovered it was a handgun.

The weapon was embedded in his bumper, barrel-end first, with the trigger sticking out just below the driver’s-side headlight.

Washington State Patrol Trooper Guy Gill says the driver notified troopers, who recovered the gun, which was missing its magazine. Gill calls it a “completely bizarre way to recover a weapon.”

The driver didn’t know whether the gun came from an overpass or another vehicle.

Lakewood Police Lt. Chris Lawler says the department is investigating whether it was linked to a nearby fight where shots were fired.