Deputy’s Rifle Accidentally Left Behind in Parking Lot

The Aiken County Sheriff's Office is asking for help in finding a deputy's missing Colt M4 rifle that he accidentally left behind after helping a motorist late last month.

A uniformed deputy stopped in a parking lot on Augusta Road February 27 to assist a motorist with a flat tire.  He removed his equipment from the rear of the patrol car to get his jack, including a shotgun and Colt M4 rifle.

"After changing the tire, he left the area for another call for service without ensuring he repacked all of his equipment.  It was later discovered that the firearms were left in the parking lot," according to Captain Eric Abdullah, Public Information Officer.

Investigators were able to get video from a nearby business that shows a male picking up both firearms and walking away.  Officials followed leads on the missing firearms and were able to recover the missing shotgun on March 1.

Abdullah said authorities are asking anyone with information that could lead to the recovery of the rifle contact the Aiken County Sheriff's Office at (803) 648-6811.