AR-15 Stolen From Kane County Deputy's Squad Car In Aurora: Sheriff

AURORA, IL — A firearm was stolen from a Kane County Sheriff's Office squad car while it was parked outside the deputy's home in Aurora early Tuesday, officials said.

A county-owned Aero Precision AR-15 rifle was stolen in what investigators believe to be an isolated incident.

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The sheriff's office said it is not releasing more information "due to the active nature of those investigative efforts."

Deputies continue investigating the burglary and are "actively developing and pursuing leads associated with potential suspects," according to a news release.

In a separate investigation, the sheriff's office's Office of Professional Standards is conducting an internal administrative review to determine whether policies and procedures were followed, officials said.

Anyone with information about the theft is asked to contact the sheriff's office at 630-444-1101.

The sheriff's office issued a news release about the AR-15 theft Thursday evening, two days after officials say the rifle was taken.

"Due to the active nature of those investigative efforts, the sheriff's office initially limited the information being released publicly," officials said, adding, "Releasing initial details at that stage could have jeopardized leads and efforts to identify and locate those potentially involved."

While issuing the news release, the sheriff's office acknowledged "the public's interest in this incident and the responsibility that comes with maintaining community trust."

The statement continued, "While certain details must remain confidential to protect the integrity of the ongoing investigation, the Sheriff's Office is committed to providing timely updates as information can be released without compromising investigative efforts."