WHEELING - Firearms have been stolen from both the Ohio County Sheriff's Department and the Wheeling Police Department, a West Virginia State Police official confirmed Friday.
A pistol was stolen Aug. 24 from the vehicle of an off-duty Ohio County deputy, according to State Police Sgt. Scott Adams. He confirmed that State Police are investigating that theft in addition to the Oct. 21 theft of an M-16 from the truck of an off-duty city officer.
Adams said there was no sign of forced entry into either of those officers' vehicles. He noted, however, that both men believe their vehicles were locked.
Adams does not believe the thefts are connected. He said they occurred nearly two months apart in different parts of the county and at different times of day. Adams said both cases are still being "actively" investigated, and he is confident law enforcement will recover both weapons.
He said he also is confident an arrest will be made in the theft of the Wheeling Police Department's assault rifle.
"There's good evidence in the Wheeling case," Adams said. "There was physical evidence in the vehicle. I'm confident that if we get a good suspect, we can tie him to it."
Adams acknowledged that the thefts are disturbing. He said, however, that the deputy and officer victimized in the thefts are quality law-enforcement officers. Adams does not believe either of the men violated their respective department policies by leaving the weapons in their personal vehicles, but he advises all officers to take weapons they are responsible for into their homes.
Adams said he suspects the thefts were committed by people who knew their victims were police officers. He said no other break-ins were reported in the area of either crime. He said the men may have been "targeted" because they are policemen.
"People get to know who you are," Adams said. "I've been here a while, and people know me. It's unfortunate. All the officers in the county need to be cautious in how they store their firearm."
Ohio County Sheriff Pat Butler said Friday that he could only confirm the pistol was stolen. He said he could not comment on an active investigation.