OCPD Officer's Truck Stolen; Badge And Loaded Gun Are Missing

A metro police officer's badge and loaded gun are in the hands of a wanted thief. Oklahoma City police said the suspect stole the officer's truck and his weapon and badge were inside in the vehicle.

The officer's truck was stolen from the Fraternal Order of Police parking lot in Southwest Oklahoma City on Wednesday morning. Cameras on the lodge caught a glimpse of the brazen thief.

“We’re working very hard to get this person identified,” said Msgt. Gary Knight, Oklahoma City Police Department.

The man suspected of stealing the police officer's truck was seen walking past a bank near Southwest 15th and Agnew. He then spent a few moments walking around the FOP parking lot before setting his sights on the pickup.

“The truck was parked at the FOP, at his place of business,” said Knight. “The vehicle was apparently left unlocked and that’s how he was able to open the door.”

The officer said he had planned to be in the building only a short time and left his keys and wallet in the unlocked truck. His police badge, a loaded gun and a gun clip were also inside the vehicle.

The suspected thief took off in the truck, but he did not keep it long.

“His truck was recovered a short time later,” said Knight. “Just blocks away.”

The officer got his truck back, but police are concerned that a wanted criminal still has the officer's gun and badge.

“Anytime one of our guys loses his badge and firearm, clearly that’s a concern for us,” said Knight. “Especially when you know there have been cases in the past where someone is pretending to be a police officer.”

Police said this is also a reminder to the public that even law enforcement can find themselves a target of opportunity.

“Police officers are just like anybody else,” said Knight. “We are victims of crime often just like other people.”

The officer's wallet had a number of credit cards inside, but they were not used by the suspect. He also had a checkbook in the truck that was stolen.