Officer's gear stolen in Toledo

1/12/2006

Duty equipment belonging to a part-time Pemberville, Ohio, police officer was stolen from her Jeep over the weekend while it was parked at her apartment complex in West Toledo, authorities said.

Jennifer Kellogg, 24, left her uniform, body armor, police badge, duty belt, police radio, and handcuffs in her 2004 Wrangler at 1 a.m. Saturday, according to a Toledo police report.

Pemberville officers aren't required to live within the village limits.

When she returned to her vehicle at 7 a.m. Monday, she found that the soft top had been slashed and the equipment, worth about $2,000, was gone.

Pemberville police Chief Robert Vespi, Jr., said although there is no rule stating that gear cannot be left in a car, it's not a normal practice.

The chief said the department will replace Ms. Kellogg's uniform, badge, and police radio, but that she will be responsible for replacing the rest, which could cost about $1,240.

But he said he's more concerned that someone may use the equipment to impersonate a police officer while committing a crime.

Ms. Kellogg has been a part-time Pemberville officer since October. Before that, she was part of the volunteer Pemberville police auxiliary for 1 1/2 years.

She also has been a part-time Luckey police officer for the last seven months.

Luckey police Chief Eric Shiffler said none of her Luckey gear was stolen.

Toledo police Sgt. Richard Murphy said police have no suspects, but are continuing to investigate.