MALDEN, MASS. (WHDH) - An investigation continued in Malden Thursday after state police said a patrol rifle was stolen out of a state police cruiser overnight.
State police spokesman David Procopio said someone forced their way into the cruiser while it was parked in the garage of a residential complex in Malden, seizing the secured weapon and ammunition inside.
“Preliminary investigation indicates that the cruiser was locked and the rifle secured in a mount,” Procopio said in a statement.
Sources told 7NEWS the weapon stolen was an M4, also saying 30 rounds of ammunition in a magazine were taken.
The cruiser itself was towed away Thursday morning, with video from the scene showing the lock next to the door handle popped off.
The cruiser is now set to be processed for fingerprints.
Detectives were busy interviewing residents through the day Thursday. Investigators were also reviewing surveillance video from area cameras.
Residents nearby said they hope police can figure out who stole the weapon and locate it.
“That is really crazy,” concerned resident Rob Harris said. “I can’t believe that something like that would happen.”
“It’s hard to believe,” fellow concerned resident Cliff Nason said.
Sources told 7NEWS that the ATF is assisting state police in trying to track down the stolen weapon.
This is a developing story; stay with 7NEWS on-air and online for the latest updates.
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