Man Accused of Stealing Officer's Gun Arrested in Temple Terrace Area

A man who athorities say stole a service weapon from an off-duty Winter Haven Police officer was arrested in the Temple Terrace area Tuesday.

Damarius Antwun Matthews, 23, was arrested at about 6:45 p.m. at 8713 North 48th Street in the Temple Terrace area, accoridng to the Winter Haven Police Department.

"Matthews had a warrant for his arrest for Robbery and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon after he snatched off-duty Deputy Regina Hulverson's purse containing her Department issued badge and credentials along with a .380 Ruger on May 18, 2013 at a Winter Haven grocery store," the department said in an email to Temple Terrace Patch.

The gun and credentials that police say were stolen are still missing.

Police are asking for anyone with information regarding the firearm or agency credentials to contact Sgt. Mitch Meadows at the Winter Haven Police Department at 863 287-8214.