Police Investigating After Guns, SWAT Gear Stolen Out Of Police Vehicle

LINCOLNTON, N.C. — Lincoln County Sheriff, Sgt. Robert Jefferies, returned from a weekend vacation to find his patrol car damaged. Duty firearms and SWAT turn-out gear were stolen from the vehicle early Sunday morning when Sgt. Jefferies returned home.

Not only was his car broken into but also his home. The thief or thieves broke out the rear driver’s side window to gain entry into the unmarked Dodge Charger patrol car.  They were able to open the trunk and steal the service weapons and SWAT gear.

Stolen in the break-in were .45 Glock Duty handgun, H and K MP5 duty weapon, Tactical Swat Vest, Duty Body Armor, Tactical Light for .45 Glock handgun, approximately 15 to 20 boxes of 9mm and 45 caliber rounds, handcuff/magazine pouch with two fully loaded magazines, and duty belt with holster.  

The Catawba County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the break-in and anyone with information about the break-in or the weapons is asked to contact the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office at 828-464-3112, the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office at 704-732-9050 or the Lincoln County Communications Center at 704-735-8202.  You can also call Crime Stoppers at 704-736-8909 and if your tips leads to an arrest or recovery of the firearms and gear you could receive a reward of up to $1,000.