San Joaquin Sheriff Investigating How Deputy's Loaded Weapon Ended Up In Gang Member's Hands
STOCKTON (CBS13) — An off-duty deputy's service weapon was stolen from his unlocked car and it is likely in the hands of a documented gang member.
The gun was taken when a San Joaquin County Sheriff's deputy stopped at the Quik Stop on West Hammer Lane in Stockton. That officer is not on administrative leave, but an internal affairs investigation is being conducted.
Police say two men had easy access to the deputy's backpack that had handcuffs, his flashlight and his loaded service weapon—a Sig Sauer handgun.
When the deputy saw what was happening, he ran outside to confront the suspects who were already in their getaway vehicle. He let them go when one reached inside the backpack and the deputy feared they were going for the gun.
The suspects' vehicle was found later, but there was no sign of known gang member Ruben Salazar, 22, and Shanta Wilson, 20. Both are now wanted for robbery.
Motecuzoma Sanchez, a Stockton activist and recent Stockton City Council candidate, says the 14-year veteran should have known better to leave his car unlocked.
"I think it shows poor judgement and a lack of discipline," he said. "With Stockton's environment and its crime rate right now, we don't want to contribute to any future crimes or violent crimes or murders, especially coming from law-enforcement weapons. I think that would be the ultimate irony."
Both Stockton Police and the San Joaquin County Sheriff's Office refused to go on camera for the story.
When we asked about their rules for how service weapons are supposed to be handled, a spokesman told us, "We have a policy that the gun will be secured, whether in a vehicle or residence, so that's what we're looking into."
In the meantime, the spokesman says the deputy remains on the job with a replacement weapon while the suspects are on the run, considered armed and dangerous.