DAYTON — Montgomery County Sheriff Phil Plummer said Friday his office is conducting an internal investigation into the theft of nearly $10,000 worth of SWAT weapons and tactical gear from a deputy’s private vehicle while it was parked in a tavern parking lot.
“All SWAT officers are required to have their weapons and gear with them at all times,” Plummer said. Citing the on-going investigation, he said he could not further comment.
According to Vandalia police, they were called to the Little York Tavern, 4120 Little York Road, around 1:15 a.m. Thursday. Missing from the deputy’s Jeep was H&K MP5 weapon and a 9 mm Glock handgun.
The MP5 is the standard weapon of many police SWAT units and military special forces.
Also taken were two loaded magazines for the Glock, five 30-round loaded magazines for the MP5, a sheriff’s radio, rapelling equipment, a tactical vest, a gas mask and other gear. The deputy told Vandalia officers some of the gear was in a duffle bag on the passenger seat and the remainder in a steel tool box in the back.
The deputy said he had arrived at the tavern at 12:15 a.m.
In October, someone broke into a Greene County Sheriff’s deputy’s home, taking two SWAT team weapons and 60 rounds of ammunition. Taken in that burglary was a Colt AR-15 rifle, a .223 caliber weapon, and a MP5, along with two loaded magazines for the MP5. The weapons and ammo was valued at between $5,000 and $8,000.
Greene County Sheriff’s Capt. Eric Spicer said his department prohibits SWAT officers from carrying their SWAT equipment unless on call. Those allowed to have their equipment at home are required to have the gear secured.
Spicer said the officer violated that policy and was disciplined.