From the Maryland State Police:
(BEL AIR, MD) – Maryland State Police are searching for a police tactical vest and related equipment stolen over the weekend in Harford County when the window of a police vehicle was smashed and the items removed.
The theft is believed to have occurred sometime in the early morning hours of July 25, 2014, in the driveway of a Maryland state trooper’s residence in the Bel Air area of Harford County. The rear window of an unmarked Ford Excursion was smashed. An unknown suspect or suspects removed a green ballistic vest on which was labeled “Trooper” and “STATE Team,” and which contained several police tactical equipment including ammunition, a pry bar and a knife. “STATE Team” designates the Maryland State Police Special Tactical Assault Team Element, or SWAT team.
Also removed was a green flight suit on which were the Maryland State Police and STATE Team patches. A gas mask was stolen as well. No firearms were stolen. There were none in the vehicle.
Crime scene technicians processed the scene and are analyzing evidence. A suspicious vehicle seen in the area, described as a tan or gold Cadillac with a loud exhaust and Maryland tags, is being sought to determine if the occupants were connected with the theft.
Anyone with information about this incident or who has knowledge about the location of the stolen items is urged to contact Maryland State Police at the Bel Air Barrack at 410-879-2101. Callers may remain anonymous.
MUFFMOUTHSKI says
Too lazy to take those items out of your car and place them in your home for safe keeping I suppose –
What is the difference, the Maryland taxpayers will be paying to replace those items anyway –
This trooper should be forced to cover the costs to replace those items out of their own paycheck!
Hedley Lamarr says
Not only do cops think that they are above the law they also think that they are above everything. They believe that they are untouchable, they should practice what they preach, this meter maid gave a low life a opportunity and the low life took advantage of that opportunity.
Hedley Lamarr says
BTW, when was the last time crime scene technicians showed up for a break-in of private citizens vehicle.
UncommonSense says
It seems it is time to add some intelligence to these comments…
A “meter maid” would not be driving a vehicle with SWAT gear and I think it makes more sense to chalk this up to a false sense of security rather than the officer thinking they are “untouchable.” I’m sure the officer, like many of us, felt that their driveway was more or less a safe place to park a locked vehicle containing his personal police equipment. Of course, this was not the case and the officer should absolutely be held accountable.
As for the police response, SWAT gear was stolen. Not a cellphone, or an iPad, but equipment that can be used to disguise someone as a member of SWAT. I’m no police officer but I would think that a theft of such equipment would (and should) warrant a serious investigation. Of course that logic doesn’t fit within the “untouchable” and corrupt police narrative that seems to be a theme in the Dagger comments, but as we all know paranoia is rarely rational or based in reality.
Hedley Lamarr says
Ah sure, people don’t feel safe in their own home, so if the meter maid felt that his driveway was safe why lock the doors and roll up the windows. BTW, if you want to disguise yourself as something your not, you can order anything on the internet using a stolen CC number and a po box. I would say lesson learned.
Miss Gulch says
Thats exactly what i was thinking when i first heard about this. Why would someone go to such great lengths to mess with a police car and steal this gear? That takes a lot of guts. An investigation does seem in order.
Its a scarey thought that someone out there could have this gear and be impersonating a police officer. How about the concern of being pulled over one night by someone wearing this gear who is up to no good?
Pamela says
Well said, Uncommon.
... says
You people are idiots… Do you know how much gear police officers in general have never mind a tactical officer. And you think a reasonable idea is to take that stuff out every night? Come to the real world please and let me know when you get there. I can tell you from experience, that is just not feasible. And what does that have to do with “being above the law”? What a rediculous statement. There is a lot of police bashing going on, I would love to see you computer jockeys strap on a badge and belt and get dirty. Oh that’s right, you are to busy typing BS on here. Next time you need help, call someone else…
Hedley Lamarr says
Do you have the phone number to someone else A$$hole
Hedley Lamarr says
Sounds like your used to strap-ons
Pamela says
It doesn’t matter how much equipment they carry. The fact is that it got stolen so from now on, it needs to be safeguarded by placing it in the policeman’s residence. And police do need to take their own advice.
Criminals don’t discriminate.
Hedley Lamarr says
Well said Pamela!!!
cops like donuts says
spot on girl
Get the scofflaws says
We need to get the state up to date. Even the small burbs with a population of 500 have those big armored vehicles, for serving warrants to deadbeat dads and such. Da hood would not have broken into one of those – and we could better go after all the scofflaws and such.
calculon says
Ford Excursions come with a security system. Why wasn’t the car alarm turned on if these items were left inside?
Hazzard Native says
“Passive” alarms – only sound if a door is opened, not if glass is broken.