Deputy Lost His AR-15 Patrol Rifle, OCSD seeks public help to find it.

Posted By CotoBlogzz

Rancho Santa Margarita, CA  Calif. – On Wednesday, January 27, 2016, an Orange County Sheriff’s Department deputy assigned to the Southwest Operations Division’s Aliso Viejo Station lost  his AR-15 patrol rifle, according to Lt. Jeff Hallock.  Numerous resources including reserve deputies, bloodhounds and investigative personnel immediately began a search of the area in and around the station as well as retracing the streets he drove on.

AR-15 Rifle Information: Colt (Semi-Auto Only) AR15, .223 Caliber, 20” Barrel, Black in color, Serial Number: A0091856, contained in a black nylon rifle bag, with 3 loaded magazines. Weapon did not have any attachments such as optics or lights. Only standard rifle sights.  

On the evening of Tuesday, January 26, 2016 at approximately 7 p.m., the deputy was preparing his equipment to go in service for his assigned shift.  At some point, he placed the rifle on the trunk of the patrol vehicle; however, became distracted and drove off before securing it in his vehicle.  At approximately 3:15 a.m., the deputy realized the rifle was unaccounted for and an immediately search began.

The deputy indicated that he drove on several streets in both the cities of Aliso Viejo and Laguna Hills; however, was unable to pinpoint a specific location where the rifle may have been lost.  The active search for the weapon continues utilizing all available resources. 

Anyone with information or who locates the weapon is asked to immediately call the Orange County Sheriff’s Department at (714) 647-7000.  

Anonymous tips may also be submitted to Orange County Crime Stoppers at 855-TIP-OCCS (855-847-6227