Los Angeles Deputies Recover Lost Assault Rifle

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The assault rifle and ammunition recovered by deputies after being lost.

News Summary

Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputies have successfully retrieved a lost Colt M4 assault rifle and five magazines of ammunition, thanks to a vigilant resident. The items went missing during a service call and were initially sought by deputies on the route. The discovery at 104th Street and Condon Avenue highlights community involvement in public safety. The Sheriff’s Department has initiated a review of the incident to assess the handling of firearms by deputies and ensure better management in the future.

Los Angeles – Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputies have successfully recovered an assault rifle and five magazines of ammunition that had been mistakenly lost on a recent Saturday night. The Colt M4 rifle, along with its carrying case, was found thanks to a vigilant resident who noticed the items shortly after they went missing.

The Sheriff’s Department reported that the weapon likely fell from a squad car while responding to a service call. The loss occurred between 10:30 p.m. and 11 p.m. on Saturday night, during which the deputies were traversing a route that included Normandie Avenue, Imperial Highway, Hawthorne Boulevard, and 104th Street leading to Inglewood Avenue. The black, hard-shelled storage case contained a total of 150 rounds of .223 caliber ammunition, with five magazines holding 30 rounds each.

While the deputies initially searched the route to recover the lost rifle, they were unsuccessful. Consequently, the Sheriff’s Department made a public appeal for assistance from the community, urging anyone who might have seen the weapon to come forward.

The critical moment came when a resident from Lennox stumbled upon the carrying case at the intersection of 104th Street and Condon Avenue around 11:30 p.m., shortly after it was believed to be lost. Initially mistaking the case for one that might contain a musical instrument, the resident soon discovered it held the rifle and ammunition.

Demonstrating responsibility and civic duty, the resident transported the items back to the Sheriff’s South Los Angeles station at approximately 2:40 p.m. on Monday. The quick action of the individual was praised by the Sheriff’s Department, highlighting the essential role of community involvement in helping to maintain public safety.

In light of the incident, the Sheriff’s Department has initiated an internal review to determine whether the deputies followed appropriate policies and procedures regarding the handling of the firearm. The review aims to identify any areas requiring improvement to prevent similar occurrences in the future. As of now, it remains unclear if any disciplinary measures will be enforced against the deputies involved in the incident.

This incident raises concerns about the management and security of firearms by law enforcement agencies. The loss of an assault rifle in a populated area poses significant risks, not only relating to potential misuse but also concerning community trust in the police force. Ensuring that such critical equipment is managed responsibly is essential for maintaining public safety and officer accountability.

As the investigation continues, law enforcement agencies may need to reevaluate their protocols for securing weapons and equipment while on duty. Community members are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity, reinforcing the partnership between residents and law enforcement in safeguarding neighborhoods.