An AR-15 rifle, ammo, Taser gun, body armor and just about every police accessory Austin ISD officers carry got into the hands of thieves in June.
Lt. Silas Griggs of the AISD Police Department says former gang interdiction officer Jose Sandoval's patrol vehicle was parked in his driveway in Central East Austin when thieves broke in. The vehicle has been repaired, but Griggs says there was noticeable damage.
"The back window was up. Entry was made through the driver's door handle. The driver's door handle was damaged," Griggs said.
According to a court affidavit, fingerprints lifted from the officer's SUV matched those of a juvenile male and Michelle Lozano, 19. She lives a block away from the officer. A witness told police Lozano tried to sell the items. A theft warrant is issued for her arrest.
Griggs says Sandoval's vehicle was locked and therefore he did nothing wrong. However, tougher policies are now in place.
"We've since issued a directive that requires officers bring firearms in overnight. So we pull firearms and we pull radios in overnight," he said.
The stolen property continues to surface.
"[APD] has since recovered the firearm, the vest -- recovered almost all the property that has been stolen," Griggs said.
Police say the Taser, a flashlight and 9mm gun magazine have yet to be found.
Sandoval resigned from AISD PD in August after being arrested for allegedly drinking at his second job as a club DJ on 6th Street.
