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Unmarked police cruiser, loaded shotgun stolen from Chelmsford officer's home

CHELMSFORD, Mass. — The Chelmsford Police Department is investigating an overnight theft of an unmarked police cruiser, which had a station-issued loaded shotgun inside, and civilian vehicle from the home of a police officer.

"It's a weapon that's unaccounted for. Whether it our weapon or a resident's weapon, I don't want it out there," said Chelmsford Police Chief James Spinney.

During the overnight hours Wednesday into Thursday, thieve broke into the garage of a Chelmsford police detective and stole several keys from inside, according to police. The detective has a mechanics garage in the back of his home and sells cars. The thieves then stole a 2011 Ford Taurus and Saturn wagon from the detective’s driveway.

The Saturn was located a short distance away from the detective’s home, and police found the Taurus around 9 a.m. Thursday on Bowden Street in Lowell, near the Lowell-Chelmsford border.

However, police said, the shotgun wasn’t inside and is now the subject of an intense search. Officers are currently sweeping the detective's property and the area where the vehicles were found and using K-9s.

Boston 25 News Live Stream

Officials discussing search for loaded shotgun stolen from unmarked police vehicle.

Posted by Boston 25 News on Thursday, June 22, 2017

"I don't want it to be out there for someone to come across. That's the most important thing to me," said Spinney.

Chelmsford police noted that while the gun is loaded, there is no ammunition in the chamber of the shotgun, and it would have to be pumped to engage the shell into the chamber. The gun is described as 25 years old and a secondary weapon. 

"It is not a unique weapon with any additional modifications," said Spinney.

He told Boston 25 News that the weapon looks similar to this Winchester Model shotgun.

The chief said the detective has resources at his home so he can rapidly respond to a crime scene. He doesn't believe that any procedures were violated, but will be reviewing the policy.

The thieves also stole a pistol lockbox from the Taurus, but it was empty at the time.

Police believe there were two people involved since two cars were stolen. They do not believe the detective was targeted and said there have been many car thefts recently.

Anyone with information about the theft is asked to call police immediately.