Cop's Gun Stolen From Unlocked Car In Oak Lawn: Prosector

OAK LAWN, IL -- A Bridgeview man is accused of stealing a west suburban police officer’s service gun, duty belt and ballistics vest from the cop’s unlocked vehicle. Timothy Jura, 20, appeared before Cook County Judge Peter Felice on felony charges of burglary and unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon. The policeman’s car was parked on a driveway in Oak Lawn.

Oak Lawn police investigated a burglary that occurred Oct. 20 from an unlocked vehicle in the 9500 block of South Major Avenue. The police officer who owned the vehicle said he parked his car, which was not locked, in the driveway. When he came out, he discovered that someone had gone through the car and took his duty belt and ballistics vest that were in the back seat. The officer also told police that someone had stolen his service weapon from the trunk.

The duty belt was found in a garbage can near the scene. Home security video led police to identify Jura, who they recognized from past encounters, the prosecutor said. Jura was reportedly holding a gun in the video. According to police, a juvenile, whom police were also familiar with, was seen in the video.

Police brought the video to Jura’s residence. Jura allegedly told police that he and his friend were walking around the neighborhood looking for unlocked cars to steal from. The officer’s stolen gun and vest were found in Jura’s attic, the prosecutor said.

Jura is currently on probation for a 2016 burglary conviction. Jura has also violated probation in October 2016, and twice this year, the prosecutor said. Jura’s probation is set to expire in 2018.

“I wish I were 20 again, but not standing where you are,” Felice said.

The judge set Jura’s bail at $250,000 for the felony charges. Jura is currently being held on a no-bail warrant for violating probation. Jura’s next court date is Nov. 30. The officer's west suburban agency is reportedly conducting an internal investigation.