Recently-Fired Montco Cop Stole Rifle, Ammunition From Patrol Car: DA

NORRISTOWN, PA — A former police officer in Montgomery County who was fired in June was arrested this week after stealing a rifle and ammunition from a patrol car, the District Attorney's Office announced Thursday afternoon.

Charles Murray, 37, of Eagleville, who was a cop with the Lower Providence Police Department for 10 years, was terminated on June 2 following two recent suspensions for violations of procedures and protocol, the DA's Office said. Those violations were not criminal in nature, authorities said.

Murray now faces charges of felony theft, reckless endangerment, and related counts, according to a criminal complaint.

The incident occurred on Tuesday, Aug. 29 at around 6:45 a.m., police said. Murray, who is also a former U.S. Marine, broke into one of the patrol cars parked in the Lower Providence township parking lot.

The car that was broken into was assigned to Murray while he was an officer on the force, the DA said.

In addition to the missing M-16 and various ammunition, Murray also stole a tourniquet, according to an affidavit of probable cause.

Later on Tuesday, detectives asked Murray to come to the station, but he refused.

On Wednesday morning at around 8:13 a.m., Murray was discovered by a priest while he was parked outside of St. Teresa of Avila Church in West Norriton, In what investigators termed an apparent suicide attempt, a ventilation hose was running into Murray's vehicle, which was completely shut.

The priest convinced Murray to come inside the church to talk, and police arrived to take him into custody without incident by 10 a.m., the DA said.

The missing rifle and ammunition were found later under the Collegeville Bridge. Upon a search of Murrary's personal vehicle, authorities said they also recovered a loaded Sig Saeur weapon.

The DA's office did not speculate on Murray's motive in stealing the rifle and ammunition.

An arraignment is pending.

Patch file photo