The Lorain Police Department is asking residents to be on the lookout for anyone who may be pretending to be a police officer after a badge and tactical vest were stolen out of a cruiser.
According to authorities, a gold police badge and black tactical vest were taken after an unknown person broke into an off-duty officer's unmarked car on Thursday.
A flashlight, two Glock magazines and a collapsible baton were also taken. The magazines were found nearby but the ammunition had been removed from them, police said.
“This particular vehicle was unmarked,” said Lorain Police Sgt. Buddy Sivert. “We don’t know if this suspect just happened to see something and decided to break the window to see what it was.”
The concern now is a criminal could have extra protection to battle police, or they could impersonate an officer.
“If a citizen feels uncomfortable about who they’re talking to, they should ask that officer to contact a marked cruiser to come to the scene where they’re at,” said Sivert.
Lorain police say they’re still searching for the rest of the gear. Since the officer did everything he was supposed to do, he won’t face any disciplinary actions.
Authorities are asking anyone with information regarding the theft to call the department at 440-204-2100.
