Assault-style rifle stolen from cop car in Ontario town, police issue public warning
Published February 5, 2024 at 10:11 am
Police say a missing assault-style rifle is a danger to the public as investigators search for a semi-automatic firearm taken from a cop car in a small Ontario town.
The Nottawasaga OPP says a police-issued C8 rifle was reported stolen on Saturday in the town of Angus, approximately 20 kilometres west of Barrie.
Investigators say the weapon was taken from a marked police vehicle but did not disclose what time the theft may have occurred, or where the vehicle was parked.
Few details about the alleged theft have been shared, but police say the military-style rifle is a risk to public safety.
“Our priority is to recover the firearm and ensure the safety of our community,” police said in a statement.
The C8 is used by the Canadian Armed Forces. as well as police agencies across the country. It can be fed with a 30-round magazine and has a cyclic rate of fire of between 750 to 950 rpm.
Videos
Anyone who sees the weapon is asked to immediately notify police by calling 911.
“We urge all residents and visitors to exercise caution. If you encounter any suspicious activity or observe someone with a firearm, do not approach.”
Police are also advising members of the community to avoid the Brentwood Road area in Angus while the search is underway.
The investigation is ongoing and police are asking anyone with information about the stolen rifle to contact the OPP immediately by calling 1-888-310-1122. Anonymous tips may also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or by visiting https://crimestoppers.ca/
“Our priority is to recover the firearm and ensure the safety of our community,” police said in a statement.
INsauga's Editorial Standards and Policies