05/01/15 Daytona Beach, FL – Orange Co. Sheriff’s Office Unmarked Cruiser Was Stolen From Motel – Sheriff’s Car Found Abandoned – 2 Guns Missing

May 1, 2015

wftv.com

Authorities said someone stole an undercover Orange County Sheriff’s Office cruiser parked near a Daytona Beach hotel Thursday and grabbed two guns inside before ditching the car.

The thief abandoned the cruiser at Breakers Beachfront Park after driving it around briefly, authorities said.

“Two people on the beach left their beach bag unattended and when they came off the beach, they discovered that their vehicle, which was parked up here on Ocean Avenue, was missing,” said Daytona Beach Police Chief Mike Chitwood.

Two of three weapons inside the car were missing, authorities said.

“I can’t give you the number of break-ins we’ve had through the course of this year where there’s firearms inside. Those guns are certainly being used against citizens and against other police officers,” Chitwood said.

Daytona Beach police dusted the vehicle for evidence. It’s unclear why the Orange County deputies were in Daytona Beach.

News of the crime was also alarming to visitors on the boardwalk.

“Imagine if they shot somebody,” said visitor Angel Farmer.

Detectives hope surveillance cameras caught the theft.

“There’s a lot of video up in this area. We’re kind of hopeful that it will lead to a suspect and we get the guns back,” Chitwood said.

Chitwood said car break-ins are a problem during the busy beach season and wants to remind beach-goers to not leave bags and blankets unattended.