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ISP: Suspect stole shotgun, cash and laptop from police car

COLUMBUS, Ind. (WISH) — Indiana State Police are trying to figure out who stole a shotgun, a laptop and cash from an unmarked police car in Columbus Saturday afternoon.

Police said the thief struck between 1:30 and 2:30 p.m. at the Clarion Hotel. The hotel sits on Johnathon Moore Pike, one of the busiest streets in Columbus.

“There’s a good chance somebody did see something,” ISP spokesman Sgt. Stephen Wheeles said.

Heavy traffic didn’t stop a thief from breaking the car window in the parking lot, according to police. Wheeles said the stolen cash, Dell laptop, and 12 gauge shotgun are all owned by state police.

The trooper was off duty when he parked at the hotel, according to Wheeles.

“Our troopers are permitted to use our vehicles off duty because we respond to numerous calls, assisting motorists and things, even when we’re not working,” Wheeles said.

It all happened just across the street from the tanning salon where Samantha Denny works.

“It’s kind of scary,” Denny said. “That really doesn’t happen around here too often. At least, you don’t hear about it.”

Earlier this month, in a New Palestine neighborhood, police said someone broke the window of an undercover trooper’s car and stole his personal handgun.

Less than a year ago, someone opened an unlocked Anderson police car and stole an AR-15.

“The cops need to be more secure with their guns and weapons that they have in their vehicles,” Denny said.

“You can only take so many precautions and do everything you can to make sure this doesn’t happen,” Wheeles said. “I don’t want to second guess anything this officer did. It’s equipment he’s required to have with his duties.”

Wheeles declined to specify how much cash the suspect took.

Police said they don’t know whether the suspect knew the car was a police vehicle.

Detectives said one witness spotted a blue minivan with a silver grill parked near the trooper’s car.

Anyone with information on the case can call state police at 812-689-5000.

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